Date:         Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:00:29 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Johnston <inmytree1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Johnston <inmytree1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      coolant system test - results and question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Vehicle - 1991 Vanagon GL, Manual, 166k+
Location: Wilmington, NC

Hello all,

I conducted a Pressure Test on my Vanagon yesterday to troubleshoot a
blinking coolant light.  I built a tester via
http://vanagonwiki.net/index.php/Coolant_Pressure_Tester.

Sadly, the system did not hold pressure.  I found no obvious leaks.  I then
started the Van, and let it warm up.  After a couple minutes of running,
white smoke signals began to flow freely from the exhaust.  Pretty much
telling me, at least I think, that there is an internal coolant leak, and
I'm assuming a bad head gasket or head itself.

I'm guessing my next step is to conduct a compression test to see which head
may be the culprit.  Am I wrong in assuming an internal head leak only?  Are
there other issues that would cause white clouds to billow out the
tailpipe....?  I read something here recently pointing to exhaust leaks
causing air to enter the cooling system, but no mention of white smoke
accompanying this issue...

Thanks,

Jim

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