Date:         Thu, 27 Jan 2000 16:27:29 EST
Reply-To:     Jonyqest22@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jonathan Clay <Jonyqest22@AOL.COM>
Subject:      degree of failure (HG)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Okay....deep breath.....I have just come inside from taking of the protective
plate that guards the #1+2 cylinders.  As of about a week ago i notice a tiny
drip of coolant coming off the front bolt that holds this tin guard on.  Well
i took it off and found no real major gusters or anything (can't be good
anyhow), not even a trickle onto the tin guard.  I know this coolant
evatortes rather quickly so no telling.  But what i did find is   a
noticeable gathering of coolant along the gasket.  I wiped it clean and will
be keeping an close eye on it through this winter.
A little background....I just bought this westy about 3 months ago, driving
only for about 400 miles, PO home to my house, and a few trips to work and
back.  But its been stored for the winter in my garage with a cover on the
cement floor, new cap/rotor,oil change, fuel/oil filter change, fuel
stabalizer, and a prof. grade cleaning!!!!
I had never notice a drip or drop of coolant the entire time i was looking at
it, about three wks.  Never did give it a compr. check (dohhh).  The care is
currently up on jack stands waiting for the warmer weather.  The temperature
has been below zero (20/30/40) more than a few times so far.......So my
question is ......could the weather be a major cause of this type of failure
due to the metal/aluminum and gasket reaction to cold.  Should I take her to
get an honest compr check....I have yet to really enjoy its company so i/m a
bit ...well really freaked out
SCARED OUT OF MY GASKET IN VERMONT
jon
90 westie
88 gl