Date:         Sun, 9 Sep 2007 20:06:15 -0400
Reply-To:     Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Benny boy <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
Subject:      Re: blinking coolant light -- opinions on diagnosis needed
Comments: To: John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>

Saldy, most after market EX tank are cheap! vey cheap, twice tinner than the
OEM, poor plastic quality. Same for the cap. cheap cap should be replace
EACH year!!! they cost nothing and easy to change. That cheap cap is giving
me all kind of problem!!!! so, has tank and cap are still available at the
dealer, i now strongly suggest this one to my customers.

The new After market tank crack and/or swell, the cap block  of stays open.

I STONLGY SUGGEST THAT YOU CHANGE THAT PART ONCE A YEAR, or get a VW one.

I have written the folllowing on that light... but i had a few beers that
night so it may not sound right... he he.
http://www.benplace.com/cooling_sys_light.htm

Cheers, Ben

On Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:03:12 -0700, John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM> wrote:

>We'll, now that the fuel system on my '90 is sorted, the coolant system
wants attention.
>
>Yesterday the coolant light started blinking. Needle mid-way, rad fan works
but wasn't even on (checked function afterwards. Works correctly). Engine at
operating temp, but not overheated. Thin bit of coolant on the front lip of
the expansion tank (left side of engine, not the overflow). Level in
expansion tank looked a little low, just at the min line. Expansion tank
looked a little high, just over the max line. No apparent loss of coolant
previously.
>
>I know of at least two things that are bad / suspect, but would like
opinions on other possibilities.
>
>1) expansion tank cracked. Today, after a short drive, could see coolant
emerging from just above the lip on the expansion tank, then dripping onto
the header.
>2) thin (9mm?) line coming from expansion tank to overflow tank looks
suspect, possibly collapsed inside.
>
>Additional questions:
>- does it make sense to replace the expansion tank cap, too?
>- same deal w/ the level sensor - replace?
>
>Both these items are getting replaced, but would like to know opinions
before I continue.
>
>Much thanks :)
>
>john