At least it seems to indicate that the pressure cap is allowing the hot
coolant to escape; maybe it isn't working the other way around.

On 2/6/06, dusty edwards <dusty.edwards@mac.com> wrote:
>
> i really appreciate all of the responses.
>
> i figured a good place to start would be to start the engine and watch
> the coolant tanks and the light.  again, the expansion tank is at
> "min." and the fill tank is full.  i drove the van until the blinking
> light came on.  i expected to see a change in the coolant level, but
> when i was able to stop and look, the levels were exactly the same as
> before i turned the vehicle on - the only difference was that there was
> visible condensation on the inside of the expansion tank and the tank
> was warm to the touch.  this doesn't tell me much, as my experiment was
> mostly to help me better understand how the cooling system works,
> HOWEVER, does this help any w/ the diagnosis?  if not, that's ok, i'll
> move on the next step...
>
> thanks again!
> dusty.
>
> PS - fixing this blinking light is #2 on my LONG list of repairs to my
> beloved westy.  i've been a little depressed lately, seeing her sit,
> knowing what she needs to be in 'dependable' shape and not having the
> money or know-how (some of it, atleast) to whip her back into shape.
> initiating this problem has been quite motivating - i can do this!!!
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> > From: dusty edwards <dusty.edwards@mac.com>
> > Date: February 5, 2006 11:21:06 AM MST
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Blinking Coolant Light Mystery (to me)
> > Reply-To: dusty edwards <dusty.edwards@mac.com>
> >
> > so, the coolant light seems to begin blinking once the van is warm.
> > i've learned a little about this scenario while searching the archives.
> >
> > the fill tank is full, but the expansion tank is at (or below)
> > minimum..........should it be that way?
> >
> > any suggestions?
> >
> > thanks for your help!
> > dusty.
> >  |___|_|_|__\
> >  |___|__-|-__|
> >  "(o)-----(o)--"
> >
>   |___|_|_|__\
>   |___|__-|-__|
>   "(o)-----(o)--"
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com