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Date:         Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:23:39 -0700
Reply-To:     Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant leak from coolant tank
Comments: To: Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=response

yes, that sounds right. the pressure cap on the expansion bottle, will release pressure if it gets too high. If things are working right .........that will never happen though.

That cap also has a valve in it, that allows 'extra' coolant ........ as the coolant expands from getting hot, to flow to the overflow bottle by the license plate. that valve also sucks coolant back from the overflow bottle when things cool back down.

on a 'normal car' .........like an old fashioned front engine, front radiator car .......you could run with the cap loose to keep pressure from getting to high, in an emergency . Like tape up a hole in a hose, fill coolant, run with cap loose, so pressure can't develop . You can 'fake' an old car for hundreds of miles that way.

not so on a vanagon of course, since the pressure cap isn't the highest spot in the system ( top of radiator is ) ......so we have to run pressurized..... or the coolant will just come right out, and the system will unbleed itself very 'nicely.'

it helps to have a pressure tester of course. you just pressure up the system, and look for external leaks. or make one.

Here's one of my thousands of low tech but effective tricks........ - for fluid leaks that are hard to see, sprinkle the area down with baby or foot powder - any fine white talcum-like powder. - Just like you if drove on a very dusty road for a long time - fluid leaks stand out quite nicely. bit hard to do on the underside of things of course.

Scott www.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Max Wellhouse" <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 6:12 PM Subject: Re: Coolant leak from coolant tank

> Scott and Listees: To clarify my undrertanding of cooling > systems, we're only talking about sealing a system with a maximum of > 12-14 psi before the coolant reservoir cap bleeds off the excess > pressure right? > > DM&FS > > At 06:24 PM 7/26/2009, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote: >>speaking of hose clamps.......those springy type original ones ........ >>besides being a hazard almost to remove or install, I've seen where they >>just don't squeeze hard enough anymore, not that the clamps get weak, but >>that corrosion has built up under the hose ( especially on aluminum hose >>connections ) . >> Nice repair there is to replace those springy ones with really good >>preferably german screw type hose clamps, at any opportunity or reason. >>And clean that corrosion of course. >> >>a few spots to be watchful about - >>the T fittings on the heater hoses for the rear heater .........the metal >>ones rust and can be a problem eventually, and the later plastic type - , >>sometimes those just crumble. >>but we love our vans ! >> >> >> >>----- Original Message ----- >>From: "Michael Sullivan" <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM> >>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> >>Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:19 AM >>Subject: Re: Coolant leak from coolant tank >> >> >>>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


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