Date:         Wed, 1 Aug 2001 14:32:03 -0700
Reply-To:     David Prager <DavidP@VECTRAD.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Prager <DavidP@VECTRAD.COM>
Subject:      Coolant additives
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

All,

After many years of driving only air-cooled VWs I've taken the tumble and
purchased a Vanagon with a wasserboxer. As I read everything I can about
this engine, I have questions regarding the use of additives to reduce the
the electrolytic action that is at the root of the recurring leaky head/head
gasket problem.

I also have a Ford PowerStroke diesel truck. It serves a very different role
in my life than to my VWs. The engine in this beast has an electrolysis
based problem that causes pitting in cylinder sleeves and head gaskets that
creates leaks. This pitting is sometimes known as "cavitation erosion." Ford
(and International, the engine manufacturer) didn't admit this for a number
of years. Independent mechanics and later on Ford themselves admitted that
the problem does exist. There are service bulletins covering this issue and
a number of additive products are available to prevent the pitting.

The following site is interesting reading for those interested in coolant
based erosion. http://www.forddiesel.com/

Is this the same problem? If so, will the solution that works for this big
engine work in a VW? Does anyone have any experience working with both
engine types?

                                                Regards
                                                David

David Prager
Director, Software Engineering
Vectrad Networks Corp.
425-354-1315