On Tue, Apr 19, 2011 at 3:51 AM, Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@yahoo.com>wrote:

> .  Running without guages, make sure to check all fluids periodically since
> you won't have warning if something goes amiss.
>
> Stephen
>

   It is a good idea to check all fluids, even with gauges, every time you
put fuel in, at least.   It only takes a few seconds.  Gauges can and do
malfunction. Quite often.  It's an expensive mistake to run short of oil or
coolant...I don't depend totally on gauges and warning lights..I like to see
the real stuff, to know my levels are good.  If I have any doubt, I pull
over and re-check, real quick!

   I had a faulty wire from my coolant sender for a time...It looked to be
ok but the insulation was brittle and cracked (in a hidden spot) and it was
not making consistent contact always...So my temp gauge behaved
strangely...moving around slowly..I swapped out thermostats, checked fan
relay and motor, went over my cooling system numerous times, changed the
sender, changed the gauge, etc.  All the while, I kept a very close watch on
my coolant level.  I eventually found the cracked wire that was making
intermittent contact from the sender to the temp gauge.  It was blowing
around when under way, but when the van was stationary, the connection was
"ok"...Very hard to figure out...A lot of 'angst' because of a tiny little
wire being cracked...

  It is good to know you can run without the cluster.  I bet many new
improved vehicles, you would be on the flat bed if you unplugged anything in
the instrument panel and tried to drive...

  Don Hanson