Date:         Fri, 24 Jan 2003 08:48:51 -0500
Reply-To:     edward.bass@GM.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed Bass <edward.bass@GM.COM>
Subject:      Are Coolant Flushes Too Corrosive for Old 2.1Ls?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

With more than a little trepidation i am thinking about taking Testy (the
87 Westy) in to Speedway Volkswagen (a VW dealer) here in Indianapolis for
a coolant refreshment and brake fluid change.  They began talking about
flushing the cooling sysetm and then fear took hold of me.  Should I go
ahead and let them put in the corrosive cleaners that are typically part of
a flush treatment?  Or would they unknowingly compromise what may be an
already weak link in my cylinder head-block seal.  I have never seen a
puddle of coolant under Testy but I have seen a green droplet in the splash
shield under the head.

I have only had Testy for a few months.  The PO says that it has been at
least 3 years since the coolant was changed.  The engine does not run hot
and the heater works great.  Your suggestions will be appreciated.

Ed Bass