Rsf:
VW engineers actually ought to be PROUD of that compared to some of the
other wonders of engineering in that motor! Perhaps try changing the oil
pressure switches sometime.
Actually, one CAN get the temp sender out pretty easily from above. A
drain pan/ old dish pan underneath will save most all your coolant.
Release the pressure or do it while cold, the put the pressure cap back
on. Not likely that you'll loose over a quart.
BUT, likely the sender will be okay. You can easily test the temp sender
while in place. Just take the wire harness connector loose, then put the
probes of an ohmmeter on the terminals.
Al Brase

rsf wrote:

>*       Good thermostat (tested fine)
>*       Appears to be correct level of coolant and bled
>*       Gauge slowly started creeping lower all week
>*       Heater (front and rear) work fine in 20-30F weather!
>
>What failure trend is there in the sender or the gauge?
>What test can I perform as it's almost impossible to get to the sender
>unless from the bottom and it's snowy out and I don't want to wear any
>coolant!
>1986 2.1L Westy
>
>PS. VW engineers should be ashamed of the location of the coolant temp
>sensor and thermostat housing!
>
>
>