Date:         Thu, 22 Jun 2006 12:53:03 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Flashing coolant level lamp
Comments: To: Michael Elliott <j.michael.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <449AC169.5060400@gmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

The tank with the Min/Max markings on it (seen by opening license plate
door) is generally referred to as the overflow tank and is not directly
tied to the low coolant level flashing light.

The expansion tank is the one with the pressure cap and the hose going
over to the overflow tank.  The expansion tank is where the low level
sensor is and is the tank to check for coolant level when the light flashes.

Mike



Michael Elliott wrote:
> 1984 1.9L WBX auto trans on shakedown cruise before taking Mrs Squirrel
> out camping.
>
> This one has me puzzled.
>
> Climbing from 2,000 ft to 5,200 ft in hot weather the coolant level lamp
> started flashing. Temp gauge reading one needle width's to the right of
> the lamp, radiator cooling fan running -- normal for that climb.
>
> I got out, checked the coolant level in the expansion tank - a smidge
> over "max," as the manual says it should be when warm. The v-belt was
> running smoothly. Bad sensor?
>
> Continued on my way to the top, temp gauge never going any higher, but
> lamp flashing the whole way. With engine cooled, I checked the coolant
> level again: right between "min" and "max."
>
> Drove down today, mostly downhill or flat, NO flashing coolant level
> lamp, engine running fine, no coolant loss.
>
> --
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
>