Date:         Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:40:06 -0700
Reply-To:     Jim Cochran <mxsailor@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Cochran <mxsailor@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant leak from coolant tank
In-Reply-To:  <eccfedcc0907260919l37e8ac42n4496055711fbcde5@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Bernie,
I've had cracks develop in the coolant tank and was able to repair it
on the road this way:
drain coolant from tank into clean container and remove tank. clean
the crack from the inside. Abrade the plastic inside the tank around
the crack with some sandpaper or whatever you have handy. Dry the
area. Take a piece of teflon tape a bit longer than the crack and
smear some PVC cement on one side of the tape. Position the tape on
the inside of the tank on top of the crack and smooth it out. Go have
a coke while it dries, reinstall the tank, refill with coolant and be
on your way. This repair lasted for over 1,000 miles and still is
good, but I bought a new tank when I got back to the border.

By the way, I did this repair in a Pemex gas station in southern
Mexico while driving a friend to a doctors appointment 50 miles away.
We were in time for the appointment.

Jim
'86 Westy 2.1
'71 Van

On Jul 26, 2009, at 9:19 AM, Michael Sullivan wrote:

> How much did you lose?  Check the hose clamps to the overflow and
> the main
> tank.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL AT 'Gringo'
> 73 Beetle
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 11:02 AM, Bernie <berniej@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I just got back from a little trip and noticed that I have a slow
>> coolant
>> leakthat is coming from the coolant tank.
>> When I got under the bus there was a little steam coming from
>> engine as
>> well.
>> It's an 85 and the head gasket has never been done.
>> How serious does this sound boys?
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bernie
>> Vancouver
>>