Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2009 16:45:57 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Burps up coolant when parked warm.
In-Reply-To: <4A50DC47.6030204@pottsfamily.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Your question raises a question for me - and I will ask first - then
tell what happened to my van. It may be of use to you.
What IS the correct pressure for the cooling system at operating
temperature? I seem to remember seeing somewhere that it is 15 psi. As
the 'Lil Boy sez "That ain't much!" Standard temperature and pressure
at sea live is 60 °F and 14.73 psi. If the operating pressure of the
van cooling is 15 psi, and you get this big burgle - something is
plugged up or there is air in the system.
I have an 88 GL. I had it in the shop one day and it got new coolant,
and a new pressure cap and coolant level sensor. When the engine was
warmed up to bleed the system of air - as the engine got warm enough to
open the thermostat thatere was a loud "bang:" We all looked at each
other with big eyes - thinking "What was that???" Well, "that" was the
noise when the cooling system thermostat failed to open and the coolant
around the engine expanded sufficiently blow the coolant sensor right
out of the expansion tank. Changed the thermostat - no more problem.
The nest episode occurred a couple of years ago after maintenance.
Coolant systems was drained, flushed, new coolant installed. The vehicle
was jacked up an the cooling system bled according to Bentley. The
mechanic tolkd me however, to keep an eye on the temperature just to be
sure, in case ALL the air wasn't completely bled out. He suggested even
that I might bring it back in for a follow up check on the cooling
system. Well, I know that the later vans were capable of self bleeding
to some degree, and wasn't to worried, but would definitely keep a
weather eye on that gage on the ten mile drive home that night. Halfway
home, the temp 3as fine - no gurgling, but suddenly the low level
warning light came on. I pulled into a church parking lot. I only had a
weak penlight with me - but was able to see that the coolant level was
below the line on the coolant level sensor. I popped it out, poured in
so coolant which I always carry with me, buttoned it up, started the
engine, and all was well - for the next two miles. Then it happened
again. Same procedure. I did make it home, and next day I bled around
and found nothing. I stopped to get gas and then I saw it, drip, drip,
drip from under the front of the van. I knew then then problem. Poured
in some more coolant - and made it to the shop. Mechanic checked it out
and the radiator plug was loose and the seal was missing. I won't
comment on my discussion with the mechanic about it. But I went home
with the problem fixed and no burgling in the cooling system. The point
here is you CAN bleed the system by cracking open the radiator, driving
down the road, and letting the low level cooling light be your shut down
warning lamp as to when to stop and add coolant and finally close the
radiator plug.. After a couple of runs like that you pretty well have
the cooling system bled of air. I don't recommend this method - but if
the thing is aggravating you, and you can't seem to get it done - this
will work as a last resort.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Greg Potts wrote:
> Hi Volks,
>
> Ever since I have installed the replacement 1.9 engine in my 87
> wolfsburg it's been running great. But...
>
> Once or twice a week, after running 15 minutes or more, I hear a great
> deal of gurgling from the engine compartment, usually followed by a gush
> of a liter or so of coolant.
>
> What would be causing this? Air in the rad? Bad coolant resevoir cap?
>
> The temp gauge needle consistently sits on the top edge of the LED, and
> doesn't move from that spot unless I am stuck in traffic, where it might
> rise a needle-width or so before the rad fan comes on.
>
> Another thing I noticed recently... If I am parked in the sun then I
> notice that the rad fan will come on at low speed as soon as I start the
> ignition. This only happens when the front of the bus is warm though; it
> never happens in early morning or at night.
>
> I have a 4-hr trip tomorrow and am hoping for some peace of mind while
> traveling.
>
>
> Greg Potts
> 1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
> 1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
> www.busesofthecorn.com
> www.pottsfamily.ca
>
>
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