Hi all,

Question for the group: what should a conscientous vanagon owner do, if anything, about minor weeeping of coolant from the head gaskets?

Details below.

First-time vanagon owner, 1990 Westy, 127k miles. Bought vehicle in September of 2002 after an inspection and compression check. Good compression, no head gasket leaks.

Immedately after purchasing vehicle, I drove it 1,000 miles home to Minneapolis with no coolant loss at all. Beginning in late fall when temp dropped below freezing at night, I noticed small amounts of coolant leaking from the vehicle onto the garage floor. I let the vehicle sit all winter, starting it every month or so.

Now that it's springtime, I added about 8 ounces of coolant to the overflow reservoir to bring it past the minimum mark. I've started the vehicle twice now in warm weather (50-70 F), both times bringing it up to operating temperature and then taking short drives around the hood. On both occasions, it has not lost any coolant. That's right; no leaks.

Question 1: should I be worried about taking the vehicle on any extended trips, or is mild head gasket weeping at sub-freezing temps nothing to get alarmed about for summertime driving?

Question 2: Given the engine's propensity to weep coolant at low ambient temperatures, when would it be prudent to replace the head gaskets? a) immediately, b) within 5,000 miles, c) only when you consistently see puddles of coolant under the engine.

- Kevin

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