Mike, you still do not have all the air out of the system.  When you are
driving along with engine warm and the coolant level sensor detects low
coolant level, the red light starts flashing and the temp gauge needle goes
to high.  I have never done a scientific test as to whether or not the
temperature is actually high.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Miller <mwm@LANSET.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2000 10:52 PM
Subject: FLASHING COOLANT LIGHT

> Dear list wizards,
>
> I had a leak in the rear heater core.  I took it out and bridged the gap
but
> lost some coolant in the process, even with the hoses clamped off [the
first
> bridge burst].
>
> After refilling things seemed ok for a bit.  Then on starting the coolant
> light kept blinking and the temp gauge went to max, almost.  Then suddenly
> the light went out and the temp gauge went back to showing a warming up
> engine.
>
> It's done that for 4-5 days but tonight the light stayed on longer and the
> temp gauge stayed right up near the top.
>
> Anyone know what's wrong?  Could the system just need to be bled better?
> [Not a good job done because my arms aren't long enough to go from the
front
> to bleed the radiator to the rear to add water, rats]
>
> Mike
> '85 Westy [a y2k thing undoubtedly]