Date:         Wed, 29 Aug 2001 17:52:51 -0700
Reply-To:     harald_nancy <harald_nancy@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         harald_nancy <harald_nancy@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Water reservoir level sensor float? (87 Westy)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Only for westfalia owners or those with interest in magnetic switches:

I have the same float water level sensor in my '90 westfalia water tank.
(the plastic stick with the magnetic sliding float)
Fixed it once before like 4 years ago, but now it's broken again.
What happens is: there are 2 magnetic reed switches inside
the plastic tube, and 2 resistors.
The lower reed switch has a tendency to break from vibration etc.
You can buy a new float level assembly, but they are pretty pricey.
The reed switches are about $4.50, and can be easily soldered in.
You just have to find a similar micro reed switch in an electronics shop.
The upper switch is normally open,
the lower switch is normally closed.
To get to the reed switches:
Unscrew the 3 little screws that the plastic tube is attached with,
and then pull the tube from the tank cover.
Then gentley pull on the 2 wires, one green and black, and pull the
switch resistor assembly out. You'll see what I'm talking about.
It's a long copper stick with one magnetic micro reed switch and
resistor at the top, and one at the bottom.

What is a micro magnetic reed switch?
It's 2 metal contacts in a tiny glass tube, surround by some gas.
The contacts are activated by a magnet in its proximity.
That's what make the lights go on and off, when the magnetic
float goes past the reed switches.
Harald
'90 westfalia

Dave wrote:
> When I move it up and down the tube, the Green and Amber LEDs
> alternate; have to troubleshoot why the Red one doesn't work, and how
> it's supposed to float...
>
> Dave