Date:         Mon, 7 Aug 2006 18:54:52 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: head leaking....options? 86 westy
Comments: To: Brian Workman <wkdrvanagon@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <20060807220007.52260.qmail@web82403.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

If you are regularly adding coolant, you are also adding dissolved oxygen
eventually leading to a massive corrosion mess. Also, if it is leaking
internally you will be looking at a destroyed engine. You need to find and
fix the leak. It may be as simple as the pressure cap not working allowing
coolant to burp out at times or a leaking hose or heater core or even
radiator. It could even be a leaking water pump. A pressure test will tell
all.

Dennis


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Brian Workman
Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 6:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: head leaking....options? 86 westy

I know there is a ton on this in the archives...but I still can't make
complete sense of my options (rookie).  Despite asking the PO specifically
if there were head gasket leaks (he said no), I believe I have a weepy head
gasket.  After sealing up oil leaks and doing a coolant flush after I bought
the van, I am consistently loosing coolant, though I don't see any drips.
Upon going through the PO's old records I found a folded up (didn't noticed
this before I bought it) reciept that stated heads were leaking.  The
mechanic at the time recommended a sealer of some sort.  That was in January
of 04...apprx 17000 miles ago.  It is not overheating, or running
poorly...just having to top off coolant every 3-400 miles.  What I am
wondering is....what are my options.  Do I just wait until it starts leaking
internally and take care of it then....or am I sitting on a time-bomb that I
should address right away.   I  noticed some posts about the subaru
conditioner.  Should I go that
 route or is it too late for such things.