Date:         Thu, 22 Mar 2007 21:21:56 -0700
Reply-To:     Nathan Mc Blain <nmcblain@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Nathan Mc Blain <nmcblain@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Cooling System Project (Tools)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

List Members,
  NO MORE FARTING AROUND I WANT TO FIX ALL THE LEAKS!!!

  Six months ago I did the coolant system flush.  New for me (actually all the Vanagon repairs are new for me), but I took my time and tried to do my homework esp. choosing coolant. Used the little Prestone back flush kit and chemicals (available at Walmart FYI.  And if you use flushing cleaners be sure to REALLY rinse to remove all chemicals)  Replaced the rear heater valve and seal ring, thought everything was pretty good (at least for two years).  Wrong!!

  Ever since the flush, the Bar's Stop Leak that must have been holding everything together is gone, so now I'm loosing coolant again in at least two places!!  I'll describe more another letter "Cooling System Project (Parts/Application)".  Which ticks me off because I used the good coolant and it's probably now degraded prematurely by air exposure

  Ben, I was reading on your site about using coolant pressure testers.  I would like to add this to my small collection of tools.  Excellent information on your site by the way!  Thanks for taking the time/money to put so much up for all to read!

  What to look for in buying a coolant pressure tester?  I saw the KD-Tools tester kit on Amazon
  http://www.amazon.com/KD-Tools-3700-Radiator-Adapters/dp/B0002WSBTS/ref=sr_1_6/103-6885123-3220666?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1174514625&sr=1-6
  It looks good and a mechanic told me KD Tools makes good stuff.  Has anyone bought this kit?  (There is one review on Amazon by a disgruntled customer - Are you here listening?  Tell us more about it!)  It's suppose to check the coolant system & radiator caps.  Does it work well with our Vanagons?  Is there any key descriptive word, or way to know for sure, this or other testers will fit the expansion tank?

  I would like to have a good pressure testing kit for my Vanagon before I start my project. And down the road, when friends come over with their own coolant problems.  I'm interested in a med/high, more high end, quality tool kit-no crap.  As good as or better than Craftsman but not as expensive as Snap-on.  As always, the most bang for the buck!

  I appreciate all advice.  But esp. proven, sound, and coming from the professional mechanics and engineers on this list.  I'm on Digest mode and still slow so bear with me please.

  Thank You,
  Nate

  P.S. Lets keep this on the List if possible for the benefit of all, unless it will be bad for someones business or toes.