Date:         Sun, 20 Feb 2000 14:20:08 -0500
Reply-To:     John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Organization: PattonSystems International
Subject:      Re: head gasket or bad connection?
Comments: To: Vwvangrrl@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Melissa Hohauser-Thatcher wrote:
>
> I recently posted a question regarding taking care of a head gasket problem
> on my 90 van.  One of the responses to my questions asked about all the hoses


Hi Melissa,

It's difficult to call by your discription. I think you should repair
the leak caused by the thrown belt and then pressure test the cooling
system with the engine at the temperature that the leakage is suspected.
Pressure testing is simply applying air pressure with a special hand
pump to the (full)cooling system of a stopped engine. The entire hose
system and cyl head seams can then be blown clean with compressed air
and the source of the leakage positively verified. This is especially
helpful when the person performing the inspection is unfamiliar with the
wasserboxer hose locations. Your technician should have a pressure
tester and know how to use it. When I do routine service on my vans, I
apply 10-15 psi to the system then tighten any hose or connection that
shows wetness. I do hope your problem is a hose. God knows our WB motor
have enough of them !

Regards,   John