Date:         Tue, 12 Feb 2002 16:51:12 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: leaking head gasket Question
Comments: To: brian Honan <cartruckbus@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

brian Honan wrote:
>
>   A question regarding head gaskets.
>
>     I have replaced every hose on the van, so now the heads are leaking.
> That's the only place I can figure it dripping from.

Get the sheet metal out of the way so that you can see the edge of the
head and the rubber gasket that is between it and the water jacket when
you are under the engine.  (you will probably have to loosen one or more
exhaust header bolts temporarily to remove the shield :-(  )
  Run it up on some small, secure blocks so that you can get under there
and watch when it is up to operating temp and pressure.



 How do I know if it is
> the gasket seal or if the actual head needs replaced ?

You won't be able to evaluate the surface of the head until it has been
removed.  Moderate pitting can be filled with JB Weld.  BTDT

> And is there any potential danger in driving around one in a while with this
> condition and filling the coolant level when needed ?

Short trips with frequent checking should be OK, but things will get
worse.

Good luck

Larry A.