It's been a few years since I've done it, but here is what I remember.
  It will be a little messy.  Having the back end of the van raised on
ramps or putting the tires on blocks makes access easier of course.  The
cooling system should be compleately cold so there is no excess pressure.
Position yourself so that you are not in the path of dripping or gushing
coolant.
  The sensor is held in by an aluminum clip that goes thru a slot in the
housing.  Inspect it carefully in advance; I have seen these so corroded
that they crumble away when disturbed.  If you need a replacemant, plan
ahead.  Hopefully your new sensor comes with a new O-ring seal.
Lubricating it with vaseline or Fluid Film will make it easier to put in.
   If the old O-ring wants to stay in the housing, it might be wise to have
a hook shaped pick within reach during the fray. In these situations I
usually also try to have a couple of rubber stoppers nearby of likely
sizes, just in case.
   The old sensor should come out with a little wiggling and tugging.  Your
thumb may be enough to sold back the flow temporarily.  With luck the
coolant will drip off at your elbow instead of following your arm all the
rest of the way.   :-)

Have fun.  Safety goggles might be a good idea.

Larry A.

On Thu, Sep 3, 2015 at 7:33 AM, Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Going to replace my temp 2 sensor on my 1988 Westy GL today and wondered
> what problems I would run into doing this. Will I lose a lot of coolant
> when I pull the sensor out? I have to crawl on the ground under the vehicle
> to,change this and didn't want to,get coolant all over everything.
>
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury, Vermont
>