Date:         Tue, 8 Jul 2008 21:07:23 -0400
Reply-To:     Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Playing "Mechanic Ping-Pong" with my Westy!
Comments: To: PB <pbrattan@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <699b6e3f0807081751q2d442506ucd51b3062acd185d@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Get a set of tools and let the list help you.  It sounds more reasonable
than your mechanic.  ;-)

Chris S.

On Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 8:51 PM, PB <pbrattan@gmail.com> wrote:

> I posted a while ago that I took my Westy to a local German car mechanic
> because of oil and transmission fluid leaks.  He pressure tested the
> radiator and said it needed to be replaced, so I let him do it.  Well, the
> leaks are fixed, but the engine temperature light keeps going on within
> 5-15
> minutes after I start driving.  When I stop and check the fluids, both
> reservoirs are properly filled.  The mechanic replaced the sensor, but the
> light continued to go on.  I've had the van back to the mechanic around 5
> times, and it's still not fixed!  I just dropped it off again today, and
> the
> light was flashing when I pulled into the garage.  The mechanic said to
> shut
> off the engine, so I did.  He then got in, turned it back on, took it for a
> test ride, and the light didn't go on at all!   I chose this mechanic
> because I drive past his garage every day on the way to work, and he has
> been there for at least 25 years.
>
> I called another mechanic, the renowned "Bela" of Burbank, CA.  He told me
> to ask the mechanic to check the hose temperature, and set the thermostat
> to
> open at a lower temperature. The mechanic says that the replacement sensor
> he installed was not the original one, and the original one was not
> available.  He also said that the wires were corroded, and the wires are
> also unavailable!  This has been going on since April!  I'm afraid to drive
> the van, even if the coolant appears to be full.  I live in North Hollywood
> (Los Angeles.)  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I sure would like to be
> able to go to Santa Barbara in the Westy this weekend...(the French
> Festival!  I went there LAST year in the Westy without any problem.)
>
> Thanks.
> Patti
>