Date:         Wed, 22 Oct 2003 22:34:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@MFX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@MFX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Temp Gauges: Fake Over Heating?

> There was a thread on this a while ago and it was
> suggested then, that maybe the electrodes in the
> coolant reservior may get coated and if one takes the
> sensor out and cleans the electrodes, it might help.
> I'm no expert, I only know what I read.  M

FWIW ....  My '84 has never exhibited the phantom flashing problem, but
the '85, from the day I picked it up a year and a half ago, did.
Initially, it would just flash far too long on startup .... no matter
what the weather.  After I blew (and replaced) the head gaskets, which
meant cleaning grounds and fiddling with wires and such, it now only
does it on rainy or extremely humid days.  Only rarely will it start
flashing while driving (the coolant level is fine and there is NO air in
the system).

Several months after the head gasket job, I replaced the sender in the
expansion tank (its threads were bad) but I see no change to the phantom
flashing behavior.  I'm convinced its in the wiring somewhere .... maybe
at a connector or ground.

Sometimes (rainy day, remember) I'll start the engine and after watching
the flashing for about a minute .... if I turn on the headlights or the
blower motor (heavy load) the flashing stops immediately.  Go figure.
Anyway, that's why I suspect a connector or ground .... it's probably
seeing too high a resistance.

Mike
'84 GL 7 pass
'85 GL Westy