Date:         Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:31:01 -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: 85-H20 loss of coolant mystery
Comments: To: Travis Newhouse <travisnewhouse@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

'Stant' brand cooling system testing tools and products sells an adapter.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Travis Newhouse" <travisnewhouse@gmail.com>
To: "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2011 10:09 PM
Subject: Re: 85-H20 loss of coolant mystery


>I got a Block Tester at Auto Zone today - a little tube that holds
> blue fluid that will turn yellow when exposed to exhaust gas.
>
> I opened the expansion cap, started the motor, placed the block
> tester's rubber cone sealed against the opening of the expansion tank,
> and began pulling air through the little tube with the bulb.  I tried
> for several minutes.  Fluid stayed blue.
>
> I checked on the temperature gauge, engine still coming up to temp.  I
> tried again to pull air from the expansion tank through the blue fluid
> in the little tube.  Fluid stayed blue.
>
> Engine is starting to warm up now.  I noticed that the level in the
> expansion tank has risen a little.  I try again with the block tester.
> Fluid stays blue.  I notice the level rising in the expansion tank,
> and go to shut off the engine.  Too late.  Thermostat must have
> opened.  The expansion tank overflowed and steam billowed out of the
> back.
>
> Doubting the block tester, I replaced the expansion cap and restarted
> the engine.  I held the block tester near the tailpipe and pull air
> through it.  Fluid turns yellow.
>
> I'm feeling pretty good that exhaust gas may not be in my cooling
> system, and the head gaskets are probably still doing their job.
>
> Tomorrow I'm going to go over the engine and cooling hoses once again
> and look for signs of leaks that could be allowing air into the
> cooling system.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find a pressure tester that
> fits the threads on the expansion tank to help me out.  Does anyone
> know if any chain auto parts stores or car dealerships sell an adaptor
> that fits?  Do any other makes share the same threads?
>
> Thanks to all who have offered their help.
> Travis Newhouse
> Encintas, CA