That's normal.  Mine now flashes for about two minutes before it stops, so I
need to either do the capacitor replacement or buy a new gauge.  Also,
batteries ARE expensive, an chargers are cheap.  Get trickle charger and if
you can't run a cord to the van, bring the battery to a place where you can
charge it.  Lead acid batteries must be stored charged, or they die,
sometimes in as little as six months.

Also, put some Sta-Bil in the gas, and it will keep for a year.

My standard operating procedures.

Stuart

On Tue, Nov 11, 2014 at 9:12 AM, David M <covrambles@yahoo.com> wrote:

> My 1987 Vanagon has been off the road for over a year since it failed

> the emissions test here in Arizona.

> I had been starting the engine every couple of weeks until the gas

> went bad and the battery died.

> I just bought a new battery (cannot believe how much they cost now!)

> and put in some new gas and fired up the engine.

> The problem I have now is that the water temp warning light flashes

> just a few seconds after starting the engine. Does anyone know what

> the cause might be? Seems like it's way too soon for the coolant to

> have even warmed up. The coolant level seems ok. I have had to

> disconnect and connect the battery a number of times and wonder if I could
have blown something.

> Any advice appreciated.

>

>

> David (1987 Wolfsburg)

>