Date:         Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:54:21 -0800
Reply-To:     John Anderson <wvukidsdoc@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Anderson <wvukidsdoc@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant bleeding and radiator hose heater question (NVC)
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY152-ds2C97CF476FECC97B1A0FDA08E0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Dennis,
 
That is the whole rub, that is not possible unfortunately.  The block doesn't have "freeze" (core casting) plugs.  It has one tapped boss for drainaige/heater install and it is smack up against a 1/4" thick plate of steel.  So I need to figure out something else.  I run synthetic Rotella year round, and double up on a good antigel/cetane boost/sulfur replacement in the winter to no avail under 10F.  It bleeds compression into the cooling system cold (pressurizes a cold cooling system before starting, but probably not warm as it doesn't lose coolant) and is down on #3 and needs rebuilt but parts prices are ridiculous for this sucker frankly.
 
John
 

________________________________
 From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
To: 'John Anderson' <wvukidsdoc@YAHOO.COM>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: RE: Coolant bleeding and radiator hose heater question (NVC)
  
The best solution would be to install a block heater in one of the "freeze
out" plugs. This would put the heat right where it is needed. A synthetic
Diesel engine oil like the Mobil Delvac 1 or Rotella-T 5w-40 will also help
it get going. Make sure the fuel is treated to prevent it from gelling or
dilute it with some kerosene to keep it liquid. 

Dennis