Date:         Fri, 11 May 2001 08:13:27 -0400
Reply-To:     Gary Stearns <gstearns@optonline.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Stearns <gstearns@optonline.net>
Subject:      Re: Leaking Coolant from Expansion Tank
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

We had this same sort of leak a few years back.  After trying everything
else, we discovered a hairline crack in the tank right where the level
sensor screws in.  Very, very hard to see, but it was there.  Replaced the
tank and we were on our way.

Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: "Samuel L. Walters" <slwalters@earthlink.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 9:41 PM
Subject: Leaking Coolant from Expansion Tank


> Volks and Syncronauts,
>
> A few days ago my 89 Syncro started leaking coolant from around the
> coolant level switch which screws into the expansion tank.  The coolant
> rolls out the back of the indention where the switch screws in, pools in
> the metal plate under the tank and then drips down to the ground with
> most of it hitting the exhaust pipe.
>
> I switched in a black pressure cap for the blue one that was there and
> that didn't change the result.  Nor did trying to tighten the switch
> where it goes into the tank.  Haven't disassembled the tank and drained
> it to be able to get a better shot at tightening it, but will probably
> do this in the a.m.
>
> Any words of wisdom and experience will be appreciated.  The mail
> archives didn't reveal anything when searched for recent months (of
> course I could have used the wrong search terms) and a few attempts at
> searching earlier posts timed out.  If someone explained this before and
> doesn't want to repeat, just send me you name and the approximate time
> period and I will go back to the archive - probably with success because
> I'll have a much better search specified.
>
> I've had to add a few cups of coolant/H2O mixture and am watching it
> carefully around town.  Can I take it on a 50 mile trip Saturday morning
> and come back Saturday afternoon?
>
> Going to help someone I met on the internet buy an 84 Vanagon so he can
> switch the custom interior from his wrecked 84 into this identically
> colored one.  Pictures and story later.  We bought it on ebay for $610.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Sam Walters
>