Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 08:41:53 -0500
Reply-To: Kim G <ppg1@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim G <ppg1@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: head gasket problem ?
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Hi
I had a similar problem earlier this summer. Try changing the expansion
cap. They are only about $11 and it just might take care of the problem.
I learned about this fix from the great people on the vanagon list, so I
figured I would pass it on.
bye!
Kim
>From: wolfgang <wolfgang@PIPELINE.COM>
>Reply-To: wolfgang <wolfgang@PIPELINE.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: head gasket problem ?
>Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 07:36:20 -0500
>
>I've got an 88 Westy that I've had for about 3 months. I'm the
>second owner. It's got 120,000 miles on the clock. Got all service
>records from previous owner and it had a head gasket job done at
>around 80,000.
>
>So I just drove it locally (with no problems) until two weeks ago.
>Then we made our first road trip in it for a round trip of around 600
>miles. About 100 miles from home, the red overheat light starts
>blinking. But the needle is only halfway, like pointing at the light. I
>pulled over, shut it down, and looked for a busted hose or broken
>belt. But there is no sign of a problem, no leak. Started it up to
>see if it squirted anywhere, but no leak, belt is turning water pump,
>and now the light is off. So I thought it was a fluke and went on.
>
>Not long after, the light comes on again. This time, I notice the
>reservoir is full - the one behind the license plate. The other
>coolant tank has an air pocket. So I get a water bottle, slowly
>loosen the cap, let out the pressure and top it off. Then I go on the
>rest of the way (200 more miles) with no problem.
>
>This same thing happened once on the way back. But the needle
>never gets any higher than pointing at the light. So I'm wondering
>what's going on. I'm no expert, but I think I suspect what's going
>on. Could the head gasket be slowly leaking combustion gases
>into the water jacket ? I don't know if this is possible since I don't
>know if coolant pressures would be higher than combustion
>chamber pressures (I suspect not).
>
>Anyway, I wonder if anyone's seen this before. I know that the
>waterboxer head gasket can be a problem with leaking coolant, but
>this is a little different. If it is the problem, should I expect to need
>new heads or just a new gasket ?
>
>Thanks!
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