On Tue, Dec 15, 2009 at 2:02 PM, Woody Halsey <WHalsey@sya.org> wrote:

>
> *       The expansion tank is filled to the brim.
> *       The temp gauge pegs over and the red light starts flashing as
> soon as the engine is turned on. Can it be "overheating" if it is not
> even "warmed up?"
> *       Mechanic states there is no flow of coolant through the system.
> (Is it possible to check that with a stethoscope?)
> *       Mechanic insists that the problem is mechanical, not electrical.
>
>
>
Woody,

If your expansion tank (Not the overflow tank that you check through the
license plate door) is full of coolant, check the level sensor by pulling
off the sensor connector and shorting the two terminals inside the plug. If
the light stops flashing you might have a bad sensor (if the rest of the
wiring is good).

NOTE: This is for 85-91 vans. The relay number is probably different and I'm
away from my Bentley so find the correct relay to do the following test.
Next, check the #43 relay. This is to the top and right of the fuse block.
Pull the relay. If the coolant light continues to blink, your gauge is bad.
This can be repaired if you have some soldering skills.

Gauge fix is at http://www.vanagonauts.com/Warning-Light-Fix241.htm

John Meeks
'91 Multivan
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm

Radio Call:KC8ZFN