A competent mechanic should be able to answer your questions and confirm
gauge operation with an infrared temp gun.
Here is a test. Key on, engine cold/off, coolant tank filled. If gauge now
pegs and light keeps flashing you know you have an electrical problem.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Woody Halsey
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 2:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: one last effort to get the temp control gauge under control

Well, after a couple of years of minimal use and maximal body work (my
wife says that the V'gon is like an aging woman with a lot of face work:
beautiful on the outside but ...) I decided to fix the
overheating/pegging temp gauge problem once and for all.

New thermostat, temp sensors, water pump, radiator and fresh fill of
coolant have NOT solved it. The mechanic who is doing the work for me
now says he thinks a head gasket job is in order. Does this make sense?

*       There is no leaking around the gasket.
*       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.

Awaiting your wise suggestions before spending any more money,

Woody
83.5 V'gon
Haverhill, MA

W. W. HALSEY II
President
T 978.725.6828 ext.115   M 978.204.5795   www.sya.org
<http://www.sya.org/>
439 South Union Street, Lawrence, MA 01843
SCHOOL YEAR ABROAD