Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 22:38:17 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: radiator leak
In-Reply-To: <41F455FA.2030103@mchsi.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
With that mileage, that radiator owes you nothing. Even before the leak,
coolant performance was probably questionable. This is a do it yourself
job but it is a nuisance. You will need the raise the front of the van
hogh enough to get the radiator out. There is no reason to disconnect or
remove the AC condenser. While replacing the radiator, make all the
cardboard air deflectors are in place. As for type of coolant, If you
are using the blue stuff, stay with it. I myself have been using the
Dex-cool equivalents. If you are using hard water, make sure your choice
is silicate-phosphate free to avoid nasty deposits. Many coolant
companies are now marketing "Universal" coolants. They claim they will
mix with any type or brand. If you really want to go crazy, do the
Diesel truck route. They now use an "Extended Life Coolant" (ELC)
designed for 6 years, 600,000 miles need an additive replenishment at
the half life. This stuff even helps eliminate cylinder liner erosion
common in Diesels due to the compressive forces and vibration levels.
These additives work the the "Water Wetter" Red Line sells.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Jay Roth
Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2005 8:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: radiator leak
Oh trusted vanagon listees:
I humbly approach with request for advice. Please don't thrash a newbie
for asking - but here's the scenario:
Today I was giving the '87 Westy the once over and lubing a few areas
enderneath when I noticed a stain on the concrete in the front of the
van. It was coolant leaking from the seam on the radiator (left -
driver's - side) and trickling down the support. This is a relatively
slow leak at this time, but my guess is that it's getting worse since
the level in the refill tank has dropped a little (but not below the Min
level line).
My questions:
If one has only a few tools and little experience, is replacing the
radiator "do-able" if I can find a replacement? Should I order new
german radiator or no?
I've owned the van (with 334K miles) two years and haven't changed the
coolant (which is currently VW Blue). Without beginning the "not coolant
again" wars, what's the recommendation on coolant (and yes, I've checked
the archives but opinions change). Feel free to pmail me with your
opinion so as to not clog the list...
--
Love, Light, & Laughter
Jay
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