Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 23:08:03 -0500
Reply-To: Katy <katya@netins.net>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Katy <katya@netins.net>
Subject: Temp gauge/coolant Saga Con't.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hi Volks
Well we put in the lower temp thermostat and began the bleed process
heaters on. Now here's where things get interesting. 5 min goes by
and no coolant or air is coming out of the radiator bleeder. (getting
warmer mind you) I'm in the back, coolant in hand by the expansion tank
watching frequent bubbles escaping. 5 more min, 10 more, still no
coolant bleeding out by the radiator. Something is wrong with this
picture........Temp gauge is right around the middle, she's not hot.
Start furiously looking around because it's not circulating (I think)
Ah hah.....notice a little steam coming out of the rear heater vents.
Open seat lid quick and throw everything out on the ground (I know "the
council" knows ;o) A LITTLE (thank the vanagon gods) coolant near the
rear heater core on the floor. And guess what IT'S GREEN with some
orange around too ! We found the blockage and/or another leak. Check
temp and right at 3/4th's. Things are starting to steam and bubble.
Nothing out of the radiator bleeder, take out entire bleeder, she blows
coolant all over, Expansion tank is now bubbling high and
squirting/steaming up in the air. Temp still at 3/4 th's. (had Gabe in
the drivers seat keeping the 2000 rpm and yelling out temp readings
every 5 seconds) Close everything up and shut her down. Clamp hoses,
connect together, take out heater core. (temp still reading 3/4 th's)
Exciting stuff, burping Jezebel, huh???
Preliminary evidence seems to indicate a tiny leak at both hose
connections on the heater core itself. Larry will test tomorrow by
plugging up one side, applying one half to one pound of pressure and put
a liquid leak detector on it tomorrow. (this tester is used to detect
leaks in liquid propane and vaporized propane so it should detect if
there are any actual leaks in the heater core) Also will see if it is
plugged up. We think???
Other vehicle experience tells us that we can just connect the two
hoses that go to the heater core together (without the rear heater core,
if it is bad) and I can take off for my work in Michigan . Sure don't
need rear heat in July. We can deal with it when I get back.
If we're going to do something wrong (or already did) PLEASE council
sirs and madams, tell us before we make it worse. I could find nothing
in the Bentley about doing this, yet anyway.
As always, thanks so much in advance for all replies.
Katy
(now humble servant to the vanagon god's)
89 Westy "Shame on Jezebel "
NE Iowa
|