Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 11:22:07 -0700
Reply-To: "P. Brattan" <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "P. Brattan" <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: What could have gone wrong?
In-Reply-To: <48760.194.105.120.80.1209991954.squirrel@webmail.iae.nl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Thanks for all your replies. The coolant, when the van was cold was
about an inch or 2 above the maximum mark in both tanks. I didn't check
it hot because I didn't have a towel or glove at the time. The mechanic
thinks the sensor went bad, and will replace it. I'm not worried about
expense because I managed to purchase an excellent extended warranty
when I bought the vehicle a year ago. It's covered for 3 yrs (2 yrs
remaining) up to 36,000 miles bumper to bumper without a deductible.
Hopefully it'll be in excellent shape before the warranty expires.
It's possible that the mechanic isn't familiar with bleeding Vanagon
brakes, but he's specifically a German car mechanic, and has been in the
same shop for decades. One of the "issues" I had was that no matter how
I slid the sliders on the front air vents, hot air would come out each
side. I didn't even mention this to the mechanic, but he told me that
he would check for that problem and change a valve if needed. When I
picked up the van, that problem was fixed. I hope he really does know
his stuff, because he's in a very convenient location, and seems to be
very professional.
In the 70's and 80's I used to work on my own cars because they were
much simpler than today's. Unfortunately, I've become lazy and try to
avoid it whenever possible. I do have the Bentley, though, and also
very much appreciate all of your explanations and help. When the
warranty expires, I guess it'll be time to get gas and oil on my hands
again!
Patti
***************************
Jaap Nauta wrote:
> Probably bad sensor or contacts. If the needle stays in the middle, temp
> is fine, and the red light indicates level too low. Level was OK, so
> sensor is bad I guess.
>
> Jaap
> '87 Caravelle diesel
>
>
>> I just had my radiator replaced by a German car mechanic near where I
>> live. I took it it for a general maintenance checkup, and he said the
>> radiator was bad, although I never noticed any problem with it before.
>> Now, after picking up my Westy and driving only 1 mile, the needle of
>> the water temperature gauge goes to the middle, and a red light starts
>> blinking. I continued another 4 miles to my destination (church) and
>> after the service checked the fluids, and they were fine. I checked
>> behind the license plate, and another reservoir in the engine area.
>>
>> Of course I'll be taking it back tomorrow morning, but I'm wondering
>> what could have possibly gone wrong. I have never before seen that
>> light blink. Could the sensor be malfunctioning?
>> Thanks.
>> Patti
>>
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