Date:         Sat, 19 Sep 1998 10:32:18 -0700
Reply-To:     Todd Last <rubatoguy@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Last <rubatoguy@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject:      Re: Strange water temp happenings
Comments: To: mike and becky <mayfly95@PAONLINE.COM>
Comments: cc: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Thanks for all the help!

Investigation of the expansion tank revealed telltale deposits around the coolant
level sensor. Since when I had the system flushed the shop put in a new cap because
it was whistling, my guess is that this boosted the pressure just enough to get the
marginal coolant sensor level O-ring to start leaking as well.

Trip to the dealer for a new coolant level sensor and $8 later - all seems well
again.

(Anything is better than a leaking head)
Todd
'88 Westy

mike and becky wrote:

> Todd
>
> You may also want to check your coolant expansion tank when she is hot for
> hairline cracks, steam, coolant squirting out. Also check the various hoses and
> pipes coming from and enroute to the water pump these, especially the large
> diameter steel pipe on the drivers side of the pump are prone to corrosion and
> leaking. when the engine is hot listen for leaks hissing on exhaust pipes or the
> block , this may also lead you to the source of the problem.
>
> I just replaced all these pipes and hoses on my 87 because one leaked and the
> rest were in poor condition.
>
> Mike
> 87 Wolf W/E
>
> Todd Last wrote:
>
> > I was driving my '88 Westy the other night and had the experience of the red
> > water-temp light start to maddly flash at me. The temp gauge read normal.
> >
> > Panicking with visions of leaking heads.... I pulled over - turned off the
> > engine... then started it again. The light passed the diagnostic and stayed
> > out. I'v driven since with no reoccurance of the problem.
> >
> > Was this a fluke? Or should I check something in the cooling system?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Todd