Hi all,

I'm about to cry (well, I already have actually).  My beloved van had
a small catastrophe today and I'm scared to death that it led to a
major problem.  Just after getting off the interstate, the temp.
guage shot up, LED blinked frantically, and buzzer went off.  I was
at my destination and coasted into a parking spot.  Coolant was all
over the back of the van and puddles in the engine compartment.
Left it be to watch ballgames for the day so that it could cool off
before I investigated further.

Upon return, the reservoir tank was just above the max line, coolant
tank was bone dry.  Opened up the top of the coolant tank and
proceeded to add water.  Added a few 20 oz bottles full in and gave
it time to go down before filling it back up.  Peeked under to see
where it all was going.  The temp. sensor had come out!!  Hairclip
was in place still - must not have been securely in or something.
Had it replaced about a month ago and had been driving relatively
perfect until this.  Anyway, the O-ring was still in so pulled it out
and reseated the sensor and clipped it in.  Again filled up the
coolant tank until full.  Ran engine briefly to circulate so that I could
top it off again.  Tried to run engine, ran rough, and lacked power.
Seemed to have a small drip from the middle back of the engine
area - near temp sensor but not quite there.  I wasn't the neatest
putting water back in so my optimistic side is wanting the drip to
just be puddles dripping down.  Made it out of the ballfield parking
lot to the corner where I could leave it in a 24-hour grocery store
lot.

So, did the heat pop a head gasket??  What else, preferably less
bad, does it sound like it might be?  The van is currently an hour
from home so I can't look or try anything until I go back for
ballgames tomorrow.

All suggestions and words of encouragement appreciated,
Tonya
87 Vanagon GL Wolfs