Andrew,
       the gauge sensor is a simple resistance based
device.   The sensor changes resistance as a function
of temperature and the gauge reads this change in
resistance.   The light is a different design.
   So what beef do you have with the gauge?   If you
have one of those gauges that goes to max when your
coolant level goes low than I would fix that problem
ASAP.   That design was a piece of crap.
       regards gary

--- Andrew Fox <afox@cnr.colostate.edu> wrote:
>
> It is crap but not just because it is inconsistent.
> It is crap because it
> is very prone to failure due to a poorly designed
> and delicate electrical
> system.
>
> Andrew Fox
>
>
> On Fri, 25 Jun 2004, gary hradek wrote:
>
> > Ben,
> >     I have to disagree strongly.   The lack of
> numbers
> > is intentional because numbers are not what is
> > important.
> >     All vanagon users need to calibrate their temp
> > gauge.   Three points of interest need to be
> > calibrated.
> >    First where is the temp gauge when the
> thermostat
> > opens completely.
> >     Second where is the temp guage when the low
> speed
> > fan kicks on.
> >    Third where is the temp guage when the high
> speed
> > fan kicks on.
> >     Once calibrated any change from these
> calibrated
> > values should be viewed with extreme suspicion
> that
> > something is wrong and not with the gauge.
> >      One other value that cannot be calibrated is
> how
> > high should the gauge go to while the high speed
> fan
> > is on going up a hill on a hot day.   How high
> before
> > you turn the heater on to drop the gauge a bit.
> > If you loose any coolant you are running the gauge
> too
> > high?   I for one feel the gauge is the most
> reliable
> > part of the coolant system..   gary
> >
> > Date:    Thu, 24 Jun 2004 13:25:51 -0400
> > From:    The corruptor <huotb@VIDEOTRON.CA>
> > Subject: Re: head Gasket again!!
> >
> > The vanagaon temp gauge is crap..... if you want a
> > good reading of head
> > /
> > engine temp, buy a aircool head temp gauge with
> > sender.
> >
> > there is only 2 reasons that the head gasket did
> blow
> >
> > over pressure or bad seal of the gasket.
> >
> > -bad sealing head side of the gasket, the use of a
> > recommended sealant
> > is a
> > must...also, if the matting (head side) is to flat
> ans
> > polish, the
> > sealant
> > won't stick for long.... this surface as to be
> rough
> > up!!!
> >
> > -Have a coolant pressure test done
> > http://www.benplace.com/pressure_test.htm
> >
> > This will tell you about head cracks or a coolant
> > components failure.
> >
> > And change that extpansion tank cap.
> >
> > All outer aftermarket head gasket i have seen are
> > close to crap, i
> > would
> > only use OEM VW head gasket.
> >
> > Ben
> > http://www.benplace.com/vw.htm
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We
> finish.
> > http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
> >
>
>

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