Date:         Tue, 2 Mar 1999 15:17:30 -0600
Reply-To:     Joachim Beek <jbeek@NASGRO.JSC.NASA.GOV>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Joachim Beek <jbeek@NASGRO.JSC.NASA.GOV>
Subject:      Re: '85 temp warning light won't turn off.
Comments: To: KENWILFY@aol.com
In-Reply-To:  <fccaf55a.36dc5168@aol.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Tue, 2 Mar 1999 KENWILFY@aol.com wrote:

> You could probably test the sender with an ohm meter or continuity tester.
> Remove the sender from the tank and dry it.  Put the red prong on one tab and
> the black prong of the tester on the other.  Now check for continutity.  It
> should have none.  Now dip the two prongs into a glass of water and there
> should be continuity.  I am pretty positive that this is how this works.
> My experience has been that usually this seeping is due to very tiny cracks in
> the tank where the sender screws in.  You should be able to see them with a
> flashlight and maybe a magnifying glass.
> Let me know what you find.
> Ken Wilford
> Van-Again
> John 3:16
> PS somebody correct me if the sender is supposed to work some other way as I
> am just thinking that this is how it should work but I am not positive.
>

True, true.  Where is my brain...hadn't thought of a continuity test.

Now the Bentley doesn't mention this, but is it true that the sensor measures
not only coolant level but also whether the coolant-to-water ratio is
within specs (ie conductive properties of 100% coolant or 100% water are
different from a 50/50 or 60/40 mix)?

Will check for cracks tonight...

Joachim