Thanks for all your replies.  The coolant, when the van was cold was
about an inch or 2 above the maximum mark in both tanks.  I didn't check
it hot because I didn't have a towel or glove at the time.  The mechanic
thinks the sensor went bad, and will replace it.  I'm not worried about
expense because I managed to purchase an excellent extended warranty
when I bought the vehicle a year ago.  It's covered for 3 yrs (2 yrs
remaining) up to 36,000 miles bumper to bumper without a deductible.
Hopefully it'll be in excellent shape before the warranty expires.

It's possible that the mechanic isn't familiar with bleeding Vanagon
brakes, but he's specifically a German car mechanic, and has been in the
same shop for decades. One of the "issues" I had was that no matter how
I slid the sliders on the front air vents, hot air would come out each
side.  I didn't even mention this to the mechanic, but he told me that
he would check for that problem and change a valve if needed. When I
picked up the van, that problem was fixed.   I hope he really does know
his stuff, because he's in a very convenient location, and seems to be
very professional.

In the 70's and 80's I used to work on my own cars because they were
much simpler than today's.  Unfortunately, I've become lazy and try to
avoid it whenever possible.  I do have the Bentley, though, and also
very much appreciate all of your explanations and help.  When the
warranty expires, I guess it'll be time to get gas and oil on my hands
again!

Patti
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Jaap Nauta wrote:
> Probably bad sensor or contacts. If the needle stays in the middle, temp
> is fine, and the red light indicates level too low. Level was OK, so
> sensor is bad I guess.
>
> Jaap
> '87 Caravelle diesel
>
>
>> I just had my radiator replaced by a German car mechanic near where I
>> live. I took it it for a general maintenance checkup, and he said the
>> radiator was bad, although I never noticed any problem with it before.
>> Now, after picking up my Westy and driving only 1 mile, the needle of
>> the water temperature gauge goes to the middle, and a red light starts
>> blinking.  I continued another 4 miles to my destination (church) and
>> after the service checked the fluids, and they were fine.  I checked
>> behind the license plate, and another reservoir in the engine area.
>>
>> Of course I'll be taking it back tomorrow morning, but I'm wondering
>> what could have possibly gone wrong.  I have never before seen that
>> light blink. Could the sensor be malfunctioning?
>> Thanks.
>> Patti
>>
>
>
>
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