Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 13:17:00 -0400
Reply-To: Scott Grillo <sgrillo@FLYTWA.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Grillo <sgrillo@FLYTWA.NET>
Subject: Re: Coolant Leak! Help!
In-Reply-To: <FCEEIGDOKPNNIFBPGKDJKEHBCOAA.steven@epochdesign.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
My cooling fan was only coming on at high speed. (91) Thanks to Ken
Wilford, tracked it down to a bad fan resistor (the one behind the left
headlight.) According to Ken, not uncommon, and he usually has them in
stock.
As for the leak, if it's overheating, it's possible to be forced out of
somewhere. I've had problems at the outlet pipe on the right head. These
were plastic on some vans, and mine had split along the seam line. Ken was
kind enough to locate a used metal one (you'll need a new gasket as well)
Now on my third van one thing I learned, once it's leaking, it doesn't get
better. What I found was that it's hard to find the source of the leak
since the heat of the heads tend to evaporate the evidence. Also, have
found that bad head gaskets may not exhibit visible puddles during warm
months, but will get very bad if car sits in cold weather.
Just my 2 cents.
Scott
--------Original Message-----
---From: Vanagon Mailing List
---[mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
---Of Steven Dodson
---Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 12:38 PM
---To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
---Subject: Coolant Leak! Help!
---
---
---I need some advice. I live 6 miles up a mountain road, it's
---quite steep in
---some places on the way up, especially the last half mile. A
---couple days ago
---I noticed a small (6" dia) puddle of coolant under the rear
---bumper. I could
---find no wet spots on the van. I ran some errands yesterday
---afternoon (it was
---warm out) and in the evening I saw a larger puddle, same
---area but now much
---larger (6 x 18"). I checked the coolant level and it looked
---fine. I did find
---some wet spots on sheet metal, directly under the pulleys. I
---could not see a
---source.
---
---There was a thread on the cooling fan coming on at only high
---speed, which is
---what I think mine does. What was the outcome of that thread
---anyway? If the
---cooling fan is only turning on at the higher temp., could it
---be that it's
---getting a little too hot and when I drive that last half
---mile of steep road,
---it's overflowing out the rear? Or do I have a more serious
---problem here?
---
---Any experience with this issue?
---
----Steven Dodson
---Kneeland, CA
---"Inga" the 87 Syncro
---
---
---
--------Original Message-----
---From: Vanagon Mailing List
[mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Robert Steven Fish
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 8:36 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Spare Parts List - Input
Bring the spare belts at least.
I was in the middle of nowhere with a broken alternator belt, and it could
have really sucked. It is a good feeling to just grab a wrench, and a belt,
and make the repair.
I also like to have some electrical stuff, wires and connectors, as well as
some odd pieces of hose and bailing wire, etc. OF course basic tools too.
There are all too many times when you need your McGuyver skills on the road
trips with a Vanagon, and the items that do not take up too much of your
space (or explode in a hot car) you should bring along.
Basically.... whatever makes you feel better about travelling. If you are
the kind who heads out for a 3000 mile adventure without even a mobile
phone, then go for it! If carrying an alternator with you on the trip makes
you feel good... do it.
I imagine that we all find ourselves somewhere in between these two
extremes.
The important thing is to have a good trip and a good time! (and be able to
forget about the Vanagon, if possible).
RSF
IMPORTANT!!! In order to reply to me, you must have the word "FISH"
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<º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{ <º)))>{
Robert S. Fish
Salzburg, Austria
1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon 2.1 GL Weekender
1987 Golf Cabriolet
1991 Golf