Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 08:55:53 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: temp light blinking.
In-Reply-To: <9D8D1095-0A71-4A5E-8E73-EA65B4EB54F9@tx.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
If there is any air in the system the pump will suck the coolant out of the
reservoir while the engine is speeding along and when you stop and let the
engine idle the coolant will go back into the pressure tank making you think
it is full. The fix may be as simple as replacing the pressure cap. Test it
or replace it. Try that first. Next problem could be internal head leaks. It
is normal for the temperature to rise when the van sits idling as the
radiator warms up due to lack of air flow. This is normal. If the difference
is great than the thermostat is probably keeping things too cool while under
speed.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Tom Jansen
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2010 10:01 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: temp light blinking.
1989 westy , stock 2100 with 28k miles on it. Well I decided to drive to
New Orleans from Dallas . About 150 miles out from NO my temp light starts
flashing. I stop pull over . Check the water in pressure tank, full up no
air. the reservoir is higher than when I left?? The engine does not feel
or Smell hot. I start back out and notice the needle is going over the
light instead of under as it usually does on a 70 deg day. I put on the
front heater and the needle goes down to the bottom of the flashing red
light. I can live with a little warmth and the windows open. Stop for gas
. Open the back hatch and uncover the engine again to see how things are.
Still the same, coolant wise. engine still running cool. I notice if I
shut it off right away it stays cool. If I let it run at a stop it creaps
up in the heat to the top of the light. I don't wait for it to go further.
Either shut it off or get going. I get into NO and shut it down to check
again / after the battery light comes on. Maybe this is when I should buy
a LOTTERY ticket as I have used up all my BAD luck.. Levels still full
pressure tank , high as in up to filler cap in filling reservoir, seems
cool. I start the engine and the temp light is out after normal 5 or 6
flickers. Drove 30 miles and all seems ok. Any suggerstions as to what
happened ? Why was the light flashing? I have read it is due to over
heat or air buble?? Temp was ok. Where is temp sensor at? pressure
tank?? Radiator?? Oh I changed the alternator in the NAPA parking lot,
GREAT folks.
Now I have to make it home.......
Tom
Coppell, Tx.
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