Coolant LED

[cosmicsheep]

Just been working in the bus, doing a few mods to the interior, when i noticed that there was a piece of black tape between the markings on the temperature gauge. So i quickly dismantled the dash and removed this tape.
Now when i turn the ignition on, and while the van is running i have a red LED flashing at me constantly.
I've done a couple of hundred miles in the van since buying it without problem. Is this something to worry about? Did the previous owner know something i don't??
I'm also a little concerned what other warnings may have been disabled (namely the buzzer of doom) What should i be checking for?

many thanks,
Steph aka Cosmicsheep

[kevtherev]

The light is telling you that the sensor has detected low coolant or high temps.

if none of these applies then there are a number of scenarios that would cause the flashing.

to start with..

1/ faulty sensor in the header tank
2/ poor connection to sensor
3/ sensor prongs coated in gunk
4/ relay 43 faulty

[cosmicsheep]

Ok, may have answered my own question here. Just read the manual, checked behind the number plate flap to see that there was no coolant in the reservoir. Only a brown sludge. (see photo)


Is it time to get my hands dirty?

[cosmicsheep]

thanks Kev.

[kevtherev]

OK good start, no coolant in the top up tank
how much coolant is in the header tank where the sensor is?

[cosmicsheep]

upon further investigation, the answer to that would be... sweet f a

[andisnewsyncro]

Now it's time for a large drink and read everything you can on filling & bleeding the cooling system then
There's pages of it on here and Brickyard, some people prefer different methods, but don't run your engine again until you have something in there

[kevtherev]

indeed but....oh dear

at least you know the warning light works....

[cosmicsheep]

just been reading those

all those pages assume you have an empty system. There are some dregs of green liquid in the header tank, and i'm assuming some in the pipes, so what is the best way to get it all out? Do i need to flush the system with water before i put in the new coolant?

[andisnewsyncro]

I'd be tempted to drain & flush then check for leaks, coolant is not cheap and you don't want it to pour straight out again...

[cosmicsheep]

sorry for being dumb, but where exactly do i drain it from?

[kevtherev]

the radiator... at the front

use the bottom hose

[cosmicsheep]

thanks guys, gonna make this number 1 priority next weekend as i've promised the missus i'll take her away for our anniversary at the end of the month

[billybigspud]

Could this be the on time in the whole of eternity where an Aircooled owner could look smug?















Thought not

[cosmicsheep]

Yeah, suddenly air cooled not looking a bad idea after all.

Definitely gonna have to keep an eye on where all my coolant went