TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:46 am

I had a coolant level sensor fail after a few years of van ownership. No problem replaced it and installed a new cap at the same time. Now less than 1,000 miles later the (new) sensor cracked.

The pressurized tank was nearly full, the overflow tank was empty the moprning of the failure, but I did fill it prior to using the van.

the replacement cap did not have the VW audi logo on it, but it was made in West Germany.

I'm thinking that perhaps there is too much oressure in the system and that split the sensor? But this was with two differnet caps. It's possible the 1st one was from old age and the 2nd forma faulty cap, but.... I did not overtighten it when installing either.

Any advice on the check I should do? I have a new sensor coming from the dealer (same price as on-line) and a new cap ($25 vs. $9.00 on-line!).

I do have a new unused tank that I'll try to use to test the cap(s) by pressuring it. But I want to use the van for a short (1 hr each way) trip and I am a bit concerned.

I got home by epoxing the old sensor and running the cap loose - maybe I'll do the same to the campground.

Thanks for any help
John

Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:15 am

I really cannot see the sensor being the weak link if it was perfect to start. The cap or res. should have let go first.

Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:32 am

The sensors are pretty weak though, they have a large hollow in the underside, that if filled with plastic, or simply had a thick wall would be stronger.

Others have had these go, I'm just concerned with 2 failures in a short time. New sensor and cap came in today.

Of the 3 capsI have, two are blue, one black, they are all different on the inside? Two are VW ones, one is aftermarket.