Date:         Fri, 26 Dec 2003 17:58:22 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Was rich running when cold.. now engine leaking...
Comments: To: jesse johnson <jjmojo@BLAZENET.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <566033B6-37EF-11D8-BFA3-000393799582@blazenet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

The biodegradable orange stuff is OK. It is phosphate free. I've been
running it 5 years and so far no problem. But, I change the coolant
every 24 months without fail. I also add a bottle of Redline WaterWetter
to the coolant when I change it.

The orange coolant loses it protective qualities for aluminum over time
and becomes corrosive. Change it often enough that the coolant is not
allowed to move into the no protection/corrosion zone. Also, be sure to
maintain the coolant concentration at the 50/50 level. 50% Water/ 50%
Coolant. Better to use distilled water for coolant mix as well.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

jesse johnson wrote:

> Hey All,
> Thanks god...I took off the air deflector plate on the right head...
> and it did not look like it was leaking.. so i filled the coolant
> system and let the van warm up. Upon poking around.. I found that the
> little hose that connect to the side of the head under the power
> steering pump is split!!! God i have never been to glad to see a
> coolant hose spraying antifreeze!! Seem sort of funny...
> So.. I can hold off on the new engine until spring as i planned....
> Thanks much to Doug in CT for telling me to look at the hoses coming
> off the head. You were right!!!
> what a blessing...
> So.. i am going to have to flush the cooling system.(Gotta get rid of
> the seltzer water) I don't want to drop the money for VW coolant..
> especially since i will be building an engine in the spring... Is the
> orange coolant from GM that is phosphate free ok to use?
> I know this is going to spark a big snowball of emails.. but.. what can
> I do? I just don't have the money right now to spend of VW coolant.
> later all,
> jesse
> 89 carat... still peeing but I am ok with that!
>