Date: Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:26:18 -0800
Reply-To: dylan <insyncro@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: dylan <insyncro@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: 2.1 Cooling System Oddity: Since we are on the topic of
coolant issues. (kinda long)
In-Reply-To: <c803c1a70912160829x46104f0u17bee71c91297baf@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
a small crack in the expansion tank could be closed when cool and open with pressure and heat.
the cap may be cross threaded too.
i always replace that tank with engine overhaul or swap.
the heat cycling breaks them down over time.
dylan
________________________________
From: Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wed, December 16, 2009 11:29:03 AM
Subject: 2.1 Cooling System Oddity: Since we are on the topic of coolant issues. (kinda long)
OK, gang here is a strange one - and I may not have enough info yet for
anyone to really answer thins - but maybe someone has experienced this
before.
We just took the bus for it's longest trip to date with the new engine -
roughly 400miles round trip. It ran great and we didn't have any real issues
- I don't think.
When we got to our destination, Patty had gone into somewhere while I waited
- engine idling - It being a new to me engine I decided to get out and take
a look and see that we weren't having any leaks or anything.
Well, much to my surprise there was coolant leaking - it was coming down
from the fill tank area (not the one behind the license plate) - and
dripping onto the exhaust where the J-pipe meets the Cat. Not a gushing leak
but more than a drip. Panic set in and I turned off the engine.
I opened the engine lid to look and couldn't find where the leak came from -
hoses to the tank all good - no wetness areound the cap (which is brand
new).
Gauge didn't go hot and warning light never blonked (they both work). So
being just a couple miles from our friends house I decided to get there and
keep a close eye on things (go ahead flame me).
The next morning my friends and I (all more Vanagon savy than I am) fired up
my bus and let it idle until it got up to temp. No leak - nothing - nothing
at all. I did have to add a bit of coolant to the overflow tank (behind the
license plate) but it wasn't empty either - main tank was fine as far as
level goes).
So we tentativley headed home. I kept a close eye on things - temp was good
all the way home - no warning light - no leak at all.
Monday, on my way home from work I had to stop (close to home) and left the
bus running while I ran in somewhere. Came out and the leak was back. (no
over heating or warning light). Turned it off. Decided once again to head
home (again flame me if you must). When I got home I left it running and got
out to inspect - no leak.
The only other symptom is the heat is weak up front - but great in the back.
No leaking from the engine - no coolant in the oil.
So what the heck is going on? I cannot find where it is leaking from but it
is definitely coming from the main tank area - again none of the hoses or
the cap appear to be the problem.
If the tank was cracked couldn't I expect to see a leak all the time. I'm so
confused. I guess m6y next step is to follow the video Ben just posted and
see what happens.
--
Thanks,
Jeff
'90 Carat (Grover)
'86 (We call this one Parts)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
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