Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2011 06:25:56 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: wonky temp gauge?
In-Reply-To: <BLU0-SMTP14658032869550A266BD645B8520@phx.gbl>
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Coolant gurgling is never a good thing. That is a definite sign of a system
not holding pressure and/or incorrect coolant mix. The gurgling means that
not all parts are in contact with coolant, vapor is present and at some
point engine-gasket damage is occurring. As coolant leaks out deposits stay
in and each time coolant is added so is fresh absorbed oxygen. System that
need regular additions of coolant become corrosion and deposit nightmares
over time. It needs to be fixed.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Palmer
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2011 12:54 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: wonky temp gauge?
Thanks guys, I really appreciate this. The one reason I thought it might
just be the gauge is that ever since I've had it (since 1993) whenever it's
humid out the light flashes for a minute upon startup. Doesn't happen when
it's dry out.
I've driven it a couple of days, only for a few km at a time. Once the
gauge was goofy, twice not. I did notice when pulling into the driveway and
turning off the motor, that I heard gurgling, faintly. Not sure what that
means.
I don't believe I've ever changed the pressure cap ...
I should clarify that the only time I've been down coolant was this spring,
after it had sat for 5 months. I guess the coolant went south with the
snowbirds.
No signs of bubbling in the expansion tank, but how exactly would I know?
Haven't done a leakdown test, but the engine is pretty fresh so I sure hope
thats not the problem.
Flushed and filled the system every couple of years, but never replaced the
rad.
Thanks again for everyone's comments and yours in particular Dennis. Wish
you lived closer!
Jeff
On 2011-06-20, at 5:31 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> Could be something more sinister. First off the fact that you have to
> add coolant and you don't know where it is going is a major problem.
> You have a leak somewhere, Low coolant or gasses in the cooling system
> can push the coolant level below the sensor and cause the light to
> flash and gauge to raise. Those conditions can also cause pump
> cavitation and flow to stop which will quickly cause overheating and
> the gauge will raise after steam is being made.
>
> Actions:
> Test or replace the pressure cap.
> Fill and bleed the cooling system.
> Look for any signs of bubbling in the expansion bottle. (the one
> behind the license plate). Normal for some just after
> filling/bleeding. If steady stream you have a problem.
> Compression/leak down test. Fully pressurize each cylinder to see if
> air is pushing into the coolant.
> Look for any signs of external leaks.
> Look for any signs that coolant is getting pushed out while driving.
>
> Keep in mind that these overheating events are traumas that will
> damage the engine.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Jeff Palmer
> Sent: Monday, June 20, 2011 12:31 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: wonky temp gauge?
>
> My temp gauge is acting up, I think. 85 Westfalia (automatic), 2.1l
> Boston Bob rebuild with about 20k on it.
>
> Coolant levels seem fine in both tanks (although by fine I mean that I
> seem to have to add coolant to the new motor, same as i did with the
> old, for no apparent reason ...)
>
> Today I'm driving about five km to the store. The gauge is fine, then
> shoots up, then comes back down, then up again. Then the light starts
> flashing, then stops. Then the gauge goes back down to normal. I'd
> been driving for a matter of blocks when it first pegged.
>
> Normal is slightly below where the light is located. Used to be right
> at the light with the old motor, but at some point (not sure exactly
> when) the gauge started reading a little lower, and the gas tank did
> as well. Maybe the voltage regulator. Sorry for the red herring.
>
> Any thoughts? Goofy gauge or something more sinister?
>
> Thanks as always
> Jeff
>
>
