Hi David,
    Easier yet install a coolant pressure gauge. You will know at the first
instant the coolant system springs a leak. Long before the coolant blinker
notices an anomaly.
Darrell Boehler

----- Original Message -----
From: David Beierl <dbeierl@IBM.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2000 12:54 PM
Subject: Overheat thought

> It just occurred to me -- We have engines that are prone to catastrophic
> LOCAs and the temp gauge does not warn b/c it's reading coolant that no
> longer exists -- although if the expansion tank empties it ought to
> indicate *that*.  Hmmm -- does it, and people just don't notice in
> time?  If that's the case, a super-bright LED would answer nicely -- but
it
> would require drilling out the rivets that hold the face onto the gauge,
> and maybe more delicate surgery after that.  Why not put a button-type
> thermoswitch (like the one on the reefer fins for you Westy types)
directly
> onto some hot part of the engine, and use it to trigger a light, buzzer,
> siren, whatever.  Wouldn't even have to run the wires to the front if you
> use a loud alarm...
>
> david
> David Beierl - Providence, RI
>   http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
> '84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
> '85 GL "Poor Relation"
>