Date:         Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:46:42 -0600
Reply-To:     Jerry <jbvelo@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jerry <jbvelo@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Small coolant leak
Comments: To: Michael Sullivan <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <eccfedcc0812251433u78473eabu36ab86f750dac814@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

There are coolant connections on the passenger
side of the Vanagon that can leak.
1. Coolant pipe at front of cylinder head.
2. Coolant hose from rear of cylinder head to "distribution T".
3. Could be a coolant leak from the cylinder head perimeter seal.

You should be able to tell where the leak is coming from without
removing the engine tin. Clean the area in question good with
engine degreaser. With a good flash light and inspection mirror
you can detect the source of the leak.

I'd be careful about removing the engine tin unless you're
going to repair the leak immediately. The bolts/studs that attach
to the cylinder head exhaust will sometimes break and leave
you with no options but to remove the head. IMO if there is
coolant dripping from the engine tin more than likely the cylinder head
perimeter seal is leaking. This will happen during cold weather
or when there are temperature extremes.

JB 88GL


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Michael Sullivan
Sent: Thursday, December 25, 2008 4:33 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Small coolant leak

Happy Holidays to all.  I noticed a small anti-freeze drip on the opposite
side from the oil cooler.  Seems to be coming off the metal shroud near the
valve cover.  Any advice before I get some stuff off so I can see? I am down
a little on the coolant tank. Thanks.

--
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'