If your Van sits for long periods of time (like one of mine), this can
happen even with a full tank and good water flow because the probes on the
level sensor gets gunked up.  Clean the probe sensors and the problem goes
away (for me at least).  When the situation prevents cleaning the probe
sensors right away, I find that driving it around for a few minutes
somewhat washes out around the probe sensors and the light goes off.

8.35-85(?)'s blinker relay (original) does the temp gauge pegging routine.
 I upgraded to the later relay so that only the light blinks and the gauge
gives the true temp reading.

http://www.airheadparts.com/vintage-vw-parts/vanagon-coolant-level-warning-light-system/coolant-level-warning-light-relay-191919376-a

--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
75 914 1.8 "Nancy"
Full Timing From March 1999 To January 2012
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
Find me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Thompson/100000710343835
***********************************

On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 8:00 PM, Woody Halsey <woodyhalsey@gmail.com> wrote:

> I am back on the list after a 2-3 year hiatus, hoping someone has come up
> with a surefire solution to my chronic problem in the interim. I was away
> from the V'gon for a year. Came back to the US. Started her right up w/no
> problem, as a nice neighbor had kept the battery charged and turned her
> over
> from time to time. BUT I do not dare take her out on the road (I have come
> home on the back of a AAA truck too many times) b/c the temperature gauge
> pegs over and the warning light begins to flash the minute I turn on the
> engine. I cannot believe that the engine is actually overheating.
>
> Any suggestions will be more than welcome.
>
> Thanks in advance. Good to be back.
>
> Woody Halsey
> Haverhill, MA
>