Date:         Wed, 4 Apr 2007 17:36:05 -0400
Reply-To:     Pam McIntosh <p_d_mcintosh@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Pam McIntosh <p_d_mcintosh@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant loss in expansion tank but not fill tank

On Wed, 4 Apr 2007 11:51:55 -0400, Roger Sisler
<rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM> wrote:

>Check the hose that runs from the expansion tank, to the overflow tank. It
>may have a hole in it. This would allow the vacuum from contracting
>coolant, to excape. New coolant from the overflow tank wont get pulled
>into the expansion tank this way.
>
>If routed wrong,this hose can rub on the fan belts and wear a hole through
>very quickly.

Thanks Roger (and John and Jeff) -

I looked at the hose again. It is well away from belts in a plastic clip
on the body.  I don't see any sign of leakage nor does the tank have any
signs of residue on it, around the sensor or under it on muffler shield.

I don't think the refill tank holes would be plugged as, would not
removing the refill tank cap (when parked) serve the same purpose?

Can that lost coolant in the expansion tank  be replaced with air being
sucked in from some 'leak' (like heads or rear heater or ??).  If so,
would that air in the expansion tank prevent the cooled coolant from being
sucked back into the expansion tank from the refill tank?

I must have a leak somewhere as I keep adding coolant to the expansion
tank.  The puzzle is why that loss doesn't get replaced from the refill
tank (new cap and all).

I think I might have the 'horrors'.  Today I saw on those metal covers
over the 'heads' a look of dampness at the seams ie dark not wet.  Would
that be a sign of leaking heads?  It wouldn't, though, answer the question
as to where that cold weather start, massive dump of coolant was from.

I will get a leak test done when I can find a garage here that will, or I
think can, do it properly.  Would it identify leaking head gasket?  I will
also try Joel's methodology for leaking head gaskets.  I will also get all
parts of rear heater changed out as I know there is a problem there too.

If it is the head gasket, how far might I be able to drive without
damaging heads further.  I might have to get it to Ben's place (if he
would do it) - about 900 miles.  I doubt if I would find anyone from here
to there that could do it.  Anyone know of anyone closer to Nova Scotia
that they would trust?

This all puts a bit of a dent in the retirement fund!

Regards and thanks, Pam