Marc - I probably can top your stupid question.

All this talk of weird cooling systems sounds somewhat familiar. And
suggestions for troubleshooting are wonderful. I love this list. There
is so much regular guy (gal) experience out there.

I've had this van for almost a year now and have just started poking my
head in the engine compartment. I know, "Bad Vanagon owner, Bad.". When
I first got it, the temp light would just flash and flash until gauge
got to 1/2 way warm. This was freaking me out, being that I was new to
water-cooled Vanagon (owned an air-cooled for 9 years). My VW mechanic
checked the system and said that it was just a bad sensor to the light,
but that the gauge was working fine and he disconnected the light. I
really wasn't wild about that, but I figured what the hell, I'm used to
keeping one eye on my dash board at all times, I just pay close
attention to the gauge. So far everything has been fine. Gauge has yet
to go more than a smidge past center. Haven't heard the fan come on yet
- I know, this could be good or bad, but the gauge says we're not hot
yet (sure hope that gauge is right). Have been some fluctuating levels
of coolant with no visible signs of leakage. I'm guessing air in the
system. I want to open the expansion tank but I'm afraid of putting more
air in there. Do I need to worry? I did notice that the hose from the
expansion to the overflow looks a little fuzzy in spots. That will be
replaced ASAP as I understand that may be where the air is coming from.
Can anyone tell me what is the right size & pressure for this hose is?

I'm having mechanic flush coolant and refill in a couple of weeks. Is
there anything else I should have him do at this time besides close
inspection of hoses, etc...

Newbie to Water-cooled. ALL input is welcome.

Peace - donna
'84 Westy (Pepe)