Date:         Thu, 11 Oct 2001 14:12:15 -0500
Reply-To:     Jenny Loerzel <jensmiles2@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jenny Loerzel <jensmiles2@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      exhaust leak and leaking heads??
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Hello All,
In regards to my '87 Westy with 203,000 miles...

It is with deep sorrow that I write this email.  The item I need to discuss
first is my Possible leaking heads.  I am getting air in the main tank,
which is pushing the coolant into the overflow tank.  I had tried installing
a new pressure cap about a week ago, hoping that would solve the problem.
Well, it didn't :(  I have been checking the tanks periodically throughout
the week, since switching caps and didn't see any air in the main tank until
yesterday.  When I checked it yesterday, the main tank was half-full of air
and the reserve tank was past the max. line.  The coolant didn't get sucked
back into the main tank after it cooled either.  What if anything can I do
if verify if the heads are leaking?

Secondly, I took my van into the shop yesterday to see about getting an
exhaust leak repaired.  The mechanic informed me that parts of my exhaust
for too badly rusted to repair by welding and that I needed a complete new
exhaust system, everything from the cat. converter to the muffler.  He
stated that it would take at least 3 hours to complete, IF they didn't break
the bolt that goes into the manifold,(??) IF they broke that bolt it could
take up to 5-6 hours to complete the job.  Does this jive with anyone else's
experience with an exhaust repair job??  Does anyone know how much the parts
would be to replace the exhaust system?  He said that I could provide the
parts and he would only charge me for his time.

Please p-mail as I am on digest mode.  Thanks for listening to my troubles
and any/all advice would be appreciated.
Jen Loerzel
Karma Rose '87 Westy
Chicago, IL

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp