James Morris wrote:
>
> I drove my wifes 87 Vanagon to work yesterday to investigate "a blinking red
> lite"

James, The thermostat in the wasserboxer is like a traffic cop who
directs the coolant to recirculate when the motor is less than full hot
and directs the coolant to go thru the radiator circuit when the motor
is at operating temperature. If there is no thermostat the coolant most
likely will recirculate and avoid the radiator all together ! How long
was this engine operated without a thermostat ?

The oil slick doesn't sound good, Maybe a perforated cooler.......

        JP