The expansion tank should always be full.  As the engine heats up, the
expanded coolant will be forced into the refill tank (why the refill tank
should NOT be brim full), and as it cools, the coolant is siphoned back into
the expansion tank.

Karl Wolz

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Baker" <djbaker@SPRYNET.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: Red Blinky Light Issue

> I checked the expansion tank on my 85 Westy for the first time last week
(up
> until now, I had just been checking the overflow tank).   I disconnected
the
> line to the overflow tank and unscrewed the cap finding the tank was full
to
> the very top.  Is this normal?  Seems to me it should only be half-full
> normally.  The engine was cold at the time.  BTW -- I have had not
> overheating problems (yet).
>
> Dave in KC
> 85 Westy
>
> http://members.fortunecity.com/davebaker1/westy/westy.htm
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: John Rodgers <jhrodgers@CHARTER.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 8:08 AM
> Subject: Re: Red Blinky Light Issue
>
>
> > Replace the pressure cap. Mine gave me a lot of grief. Also be sure your
> > hose to the overflow tank is good. If it leaks the back suction created
> > during cooling should draw coolant ffrom the overflow tank into the
> > expansion tank, but if the hose leakss, only air will go back into the
> > expansion tank. Finally, replace the coolant sensor. They are cheap, and
> > notoriously failure prone. I like to keep a spare on hand.
> >
> > John Rodgers
> > 88 GL Driver
> >
>