Date:         Thu, 26 Feb 1998 09:13:40 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant light Flashing--'87 Westy
Comments: To: Dave Mancuso <Mancuso@MTWP.K12.PA.US>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 09:39 AM 2/26/98 -0500, Dave Mancuso wrote:
>My coolant light flashes from time to time. It seemed to go away when I
>cleaned up the sensor contact, but still comes on a bit.
>
>I did have some air in the system. You know the coolant tank with the cap
>on top (not the license plate tank)? The little tube attached to that
>tank was not real tight.
>
>Is it possible that this let air into that tank? Would this keep that
>tank from sucking coolant back from the license plate tank? (I have a
>situation where the coolant tank was getting air in it and the license
>plate tank  was getting a bit too full).
>
>Sorry this is do disjointed; the dealer is telling me I need a new engine
>when I know it's in great shape. They're concerned because it's got 172K
>on it. Also, I replaced both heads (@144K) and the water pump (@170K) not
>too long ago. This is the first time I've taken it to this dealer, but I
>believe that they are telling me what they think is true. I just don't
>think they know the car and possibly want to sell me a new
>(remanufactured) engine for $2900 including labor. It's a pretty good
>deal, and it would certainly fix my problem. I just don't think it's
>necessary right now.

Hmm, let's see. Flashing coolant light and 172K on engine means you need a
new engine? Sounds like you are being scammed. You should request more info
from this dealer as to why they recommend a new engine. Maybe they did some
tests that indicate an internal leak from one of the cylinders into the
cooling system. Maybe they did nothing. You need to find out why they gave
you such a dire diagnosis. With new heads and proper maintainence, your
engine should last at least another 100K.

-Mark McCulley