Date:         Sun, 31 Dec 2000 20:39:37 -0800
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      Happy New Year!/I blew another coolant hose...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Like that transition in my Subject Line? It's meant to be an
eye-catcher.

My '87 Westfalia is ushering in the new millennium by reminding me of my
ongoing, never-ending obligation to support it no matter how expensive
or inconvenient.

This morning, I blew another coolant hose, the second one in about three
months. I was backing out of my space in the supermarket parking lot
when I noticed a steam cloud forming directly astern, accompanied by the
attendant, familiar maple syrup smell of glycol. Upon examination, all I
could see underneath was coolant dripping out on the right-hand side of
the engine, below the cylinder head. Of course, panic set in, as I
immediately assumed the worst-case scenario of having blown a head
gasket or cracked something.

Anyway, I managed to limp the half-mile or so home (temp needle on the
high side), and upon further research I discovered a nice steam jet
issuing from the aforementioned hose while the engine idled. Since this
is my second hose failure, and since I CONTINUE to suffer from random
and perplexing overheating, I'm going ahead and replacing all hoses,
plastic pieces, water pump, temp sensors, etc. What better way to spend
$500? It's either that or pay my PG&E bill next month (I'm live in
Utility-Challenged California).

Anyone have any wisdom to impart on replacing all the hoses and stuff? I
am assuming at this point that most, if not all, of my hoses have never
been replaced, since they seem to be rather fragile. And this may not
even solve my overheating problem (though I think it's related). I plan
to purchase the Hose Kit, water pump and "T" housing from a list vendor.

I'm really glad I got my Porsche 914 smogged and registered. Looks like
I'll be driving it for awhile.

Dan
1987 Westfalia
(nothing says "I love you" to your Vanagon like dumping copious amounts
of cash into it!)