Date:         Mon, 21 Aug 2006 00:13:20 -0400
Reply-To:     Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: first sign of coolant under engine - don't panic yet
Comments: To: ScotiaWesty <ScotiaWesty@ADELPHIA.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <000301c6c4d1$73d4e960$6500a8c0@dan29r84khmi74>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Whoa, Dan.

A bit of restraint is needed here.

A few drops of coolant does not in anyway imply that you have leaking
head gaskets or a failing engine.  Especially if you have just climbed
Pike's Peak and the engine has performed without problem and hasn't
overheated, which I assume to be the case.  Don't think you would have
left out these types of problems.

A hose clamp could be slightly loose and leak under the intense
condition of the climb.  The hoses in and out of the oil cooler are in
the area you mention and could be the culprit(s).  Tightening or, if
needed, replacing one or both of those hoses could solve the problem.

The water pump begins to seep a bit when it is starting to wear out.
This leaking comes from the same area.  This repair is more serious that
those little hoses, but not at all indicative of a major catastrophe
looming in your Vanagon's life.  Those weeping water pumps can survive
for some time.  They rarely fail quickly, so don't panic about this either.

Check the hoses and look for any further leaking in this or other spots.

What is the level of coolant in the overflow tank now that the engine is
cool?  Watch the coolant level regularly for a while and see if you are
losing coolant, i.e., needing to put some in from behind the tag to keep
it above the low line.

Chill with your favorite soothing beverage.  Report back to us if there
are any other indications of leakage and coolant loss and / or if these
suggestions don't lead you to the problem.

Sam


--
Sam Walters
Baltimore, MD

89 Syncro GL, Zetec Inside
85 Westy Weekender
85 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel - to become veggie oil powered

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