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Date:         Wed, 7 Jun 95 10:47:10 PDT
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <alf@hpptc38.rose.hp.com>
Subject:      Re: Boiling radiator light and tailgate gas struts

The red overtemp light works off two inputs, either a true overtemp situation which you would also see on your temp guage or a low coolant situation. In the coolant reservoir, not the overflow tank, is a sensor that detects the presence of coolant through it's conductivity. If the coolant level falls low enough (say leaky heads/gaskets) the contacts will be momentarily in air and will turn on the overtemp led/light indicating loss of coolant. As the coolant level recedes the contacts are in air more of the time and the indicator will stay on more of the time. To troubleshoot the critter, first check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir, not the overflow tank. If it's not absolutely full to the top, fill it up with water. Shouldn't take more than a couple of cups. If it's seriously low AND there's coolant in the overflow tank then the $$valve$$ cap is not allowing coolant return from the overflow back into the coolant reservoir as the operating temps change. Replace the cap, fill system and try again. You might as well remove the connector from the coolant level detector and ensure that the indicator led comes on and stays on. Removal and replacement several times will clean up the contact surfaces a bit and give you a bit more time between such trouble shooting events as this.

Gas struts suck big time. Use a finely crafted Schwarzwalder churman tail gate elevating structure instead. (broomstick with rubber cane tip).

In a pinch you can do battle over the creek with Friar Tuck, whack them pesky skunks, lean on it, or use it to poke down the frisbee from recalcritant trees.

You cannot however stir the molten magnesium without seriously shortening the life of the tool.

There are available some super power gas struts but alas none have the right "tips" for the Vanagoing. VW gets muchodinero for a pair of new ones. -- -- ___ / __ __/ ____/ Al Knoll HP Performance Technology / / / / / Center Roseville, CA, USA 95747 / _____/ / / 916.785.5317 (Telnet 785-5317) / / / / email: alf@hpptc38.rose.hp.com / __/ __/ ______/ ___________________________________/


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