Date:         Sun, 17 Oct 2004 09:59:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Don Sturgill <dssturgill@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Sturgill <dssturgill@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: 84 oil gunk in coolant
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

To follow up on my head gasket leak ordeal:  It appears that I did
successfully stop the leak (for now) using Bars-Leak.  One of you said that
what I thought was oil in the coolant was most likely old Bars-leak.  I
believe that is accurate.  I flushed the system really well and followed the
directions on the can.  Also prayed a bit. Looks like I have a reprieve.
That will allow me the time to see how this engine is, in general, before
getting too far into the cash flow.  This is a recently acquired bus.
Things learned:

1)      It is important to follow the instructions on the Bars-Leak.  Takes
some time and effort, but appears to be worth it.

2)      I really don't think that it is necessary to lift the bus 400mm to
get the air out.  My guess is that it should be lifted to at least 400mm
TOTAL, not additional.  I just lifted her as far as I could with my floor
jack and it worked fine.

3)      Using a plumber's tool (a rubber nozzle that swells up and exerts
pressure) worked great for flushing.  I didn't think, though, about the
potential for one to pop due to the sharp edges of the coolant pipes (I
flushed every orifice I could find).  It was loud.  The fix was to insert a
plastic funnel into the pipes (and into the smaller heater hoses) then stick
the plumber's tool into the funnel.  Worked fine.

4)      Safety glasses are great for keeping dirtballs out of your eyes..
But they only work if you use them.

5)      To get to the left upper bolt that holds the engine shroud, just
spin off the oil filter.  Not much oil is lost.



Next step is getting the idle fixed.  I posted yesterday about that. no cold
idle. John has directed me to the air regulator setup.  Thanks, John.  And
thanks to all of you who have offered advice and observations from your
experience.  This is the best list in town.l



I am leaving the engine shrouds off until I am sure the leak is stopped.  Is
that a real bad idea?  Also, does anyone have experience fixing the dash
clock?  Mine works, but is only right twice a day.  My weekender package has
a closet that fits in the left back and is real handy, but it blocks the
engine cover and makes access difficult.  Anyone looking for one, let me
know.



The local main man for repairs (Rick, from Rick's VW) is pretty well retired
and getting ready to move north.  Anyone out there been wanting to move to
sunny south florida, Sarasota is wide open for business.  Come on down.



Dss

84 Vanagon Weekender