Date:         Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:55:36 -0400
Reply-To:     Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Head Leak
In-Reply-To:  <49E566AA.3040701@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

A while back I posted about the same problem. My leak worked itself up
to a very thin steady stream of coolant leaking once the engine warmed
up. A few list member suggested Bar's Leaks. I found Bar's Leaks Head
Gasket Fix and used it <http://www.barsproducts.com/1111.htm>. While
it sold for $30 it was the only one that didn't have me draining the
cooling system as part of the fix.

Since my temperature gauge didn't work and I was suspicious of my Temp
II sensor, I decided to replace those first since I was going to have
to drain some coolant to do it.

After replacing the both sensors I poured in the Bar's, added back the
missing coolant, and drove around till the engine warmed up. My temp
gauge worked now so I knew it was up to normal temp.

To my surprise, the leak went from a stream to just 4 or 5 drops in a
minute. A day later the leak was gone. I've gone through a couple
tanks of gas since then (my odometer doesn't work) and all is well. My
coolant level is fine, my heaters get nice and warm and the engine
temp stays within a normal range.

As a note, I did top off my coolant level once as some air worked it
way out. When I looked into the tank I could see what looked like tiny
cooper flakes in the coolant (not a lot though).

So far I'm satisfied with the results. Thanks to those who recommended
the Bar's stuff.

Mark K
1986 GL/2WD/4SPD

PS. On a side note, to limit the air getting into the cooling system
while changing sensor, I parked the van on an inclined drive (maybe 15
or so degrees). On top of that I backed it onto some ramps. This left
my rear end way up in the air. I'd say the thermostat housing was
about level with the top of my radiator. I think this helped a lot as
I only had to top off the coolant once. I read this suggestion
(elevating the rear) on some Vanagon site but don't recall where. And
of course, block the front wheels!


On Apr 15, 2009, at 12:46 AM, John Rodgers wrote:

> I found that orange stuff along a seam and some sheetmetal on my
> engine
> today. No question but what it is comeing frm a head. It's aint much,
> but it's there.
>
> What's the success rate with plugging this kind of  leak with some
> kind
> of stop-leak additive to the coolant
>
> What would the list suggest as a good head-leak-stopper-upper?
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver