Well, I have the answer to my question 'is this a problem or just a nuisance?'
- It's become a problem!
Following previous list guidance (thanks for several postings!), I took the temp
sensor out, cleaned it and reinstalled it - and the coolant light problem went away
and has stayed away.
However, I was puzzled by finding coolant in the sensor electrical connector, but
could not see where the coolant was coming from (so just cleaned it..)
Now to the real problem..
Driving in to work today I arrived with steam & coolant coming from the engine!
Actually it's coming from the expansion tank (note that I'm now using the correct term)
- there seems to be a small crack just below the pressure cap.
So the repair seems fairly straight forward - to replace the expansion tank, cap, etc.

Now to the question I have for you
- Do you think I can drive my van home (20 miles) or should I get it put on a AAA transporter?
Expansion tank is about two thirds full still, crack is < half an inch

What's your opinion?
Thanks,
Mike,
'87 Westy

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Michael Hart <mjhart853@yahoo.com>
To: Vanagon List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 8, 2007 6:01:25 PM
Subject: Water Temperature Light

To those who have helped me with my previous posts - THANKS!

However, I have a new potential problem (i.e. that's to say I don't know if it is a problem 
or just a nuisance) with the water temperature indicator light on my '87 Westy.
Normal operation: when I start engine from cold, light flashes for several seconds & 
then goes out (it behaves this way most of the time)
Occasionally: light continues to flash (I've only waited about a minute). If I switch engine
off and on again, it behaves normally.
Occasionally (after switching engine off & on again); light comes on again, a little later
(perhaps half a minute later) and continues to flash. If I switch engine off and on again,
back to normal operation.
This only seems to happen first thing (morning, not particularly cold here in northern CA)
and does not come back later in the day. I can then drive all day (well, use the van for trips 
up to 50 miles, that's as far as I have gone recently, at up to freeway speeds) without the 
light flashing again.
Coolant level is normal (i.e. b/w the full/empty marks on the expansion tank), no recent
coolant changes or leaks. The (analog) temperature gauge behaves normally, starting from 
cold and settling just below midpoint marker under normal use.  
Engine is stock 2.1l and has 112k.

Any ideas??

Thanks,
Mike
'87 Westy

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