Thanks for that hint Dave,
I've been unable to spin the engine with the ignition switch and it does not
"feel" right.
Am starting the engine with a hot wire from starter solenoid to battery.
Was addressing the flashing water indicator first, but in light of your
experience, maybe I should shift my priority to the switch and possibly
stumble upon the flasher problem in the process.
Thank you
Tim, Pensacola, Fl. "84 Gl, 184K mi.

Don't know if this is causing your problem, but I once induced a flashing
temp light by accidentally sticking a key into the slot in the steering
column right next to the ignition switch. I have a big key for my Geo
Tracker that doesn't quite fit on my key ring and occasionally sticks out
at a right angle to it. Once, while starting up the Westy, the Tracker key
got wedged into the steering column, causing the horn to blow and the temp
light to flash. Man! Did that drive me nuts for a good 2-3 minutes until
I saw the problem!