To elaborate just a bit on what Karl says:  It's possible.  The headlights
do load the alternator, which makes the engine work a little harder.  The
extra heat generated will be somewhat greater than the heat generated by
the headlights, because of the inefficiencies involved.

However, if your cooling system is that touchy, I would offer that it's
performance is a little marginal, and it should be looked at.

Hugh Smith, San Jose, CA
'90 Vanagon, Country Homes camper conversion

-----Original Message-----
From:   Karl Wolz [SMTP:wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
Sent:   Friday, September 07, 2001 3:58 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: Is there any way...

Photonic Energy Transfer Rate.

Need I say more?

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Baker" <abusguy2@SPRINGMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2001 9:00 AM
Subject: Is there any way...

> Howdy All,
> This sounds stupid even as I type it, but Is there any way that driving
my
83 water cooled Vanagon with the headlights ON, would affect the water temp
gauge reading?? Stupid, right?  But I swear i have noticed that when I
drive
with headlights on, even if the outside temp is a little cooler, my temp
gauge reads higher!  I have noticed this at night and in heavy fog when i
have had lights on.  Can outside humidity also affect this reading.  Is it
possible the head light wiring is arcing with the temp sender wire or
something, Or is it JUST A COINCIDENCE!?!?!  PS, It's OK if you laugh at me
for asking this question ;-)
>
>
>
>
>
> Peace, JB
> '66 Split Window Camper
> '83 H20 Vanagon
>
> "You cannot simultaneously work for peace and prepare for war..."