Slipping belt?  Look for glazing.

If your van is an '84 or earlier, a bad connection with the fluid level
sensor will cause both the light to flash and the needle to rise.  Could be
just that.  Was there any evidence you actually were running worm?

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Bosch" <arbosch@RA.ROCKWELL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 05, 2000 5:54 AM
Subject: Blinking coolant light...

> Strange thing happened on the way into work this morning.  After ten
> minutes of driving, the coolant light started to flash and the temp needle
> started to rise.  Pulled over into a parking lot, shut down, and popped
the
> engine cover.  Belts okay, coolant level in overflow tank good, no
pressure
> when removing the overflow tank cap, no visible coolant leaks.  After five
> minutes or so, I buttoned everything back up, started the motor, and
turned
> around to limp home.  Coolant light did not blink - except at start-up and
> then went out.  Temp back to the center of the guage.  Decided to try to
> get to work.  Again, ten minutes of driving I get the blinking coolant
> light and the temp rise.  Pulled over, shut down, and waited.  Five
minutes
> later, started up and continued on my way with no blinking or unusual
> temps.
>
> The timing of this could not be worse.  I need the bus to get me to some
> job interviews in Vermont and Eastern New York State next week.
>
> Anyone care to venture a guess as to the problem?
>
> Alan Bosch
> & Phred ('88 Wolfsburg)
> Rochester, NY
>