Date:         Sun, 28 Jul 2013 19:54:42 -0400
Reply-To:     Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Checking pressure cap function???
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi gang -- I've been blowing hoses on the coolant system ---- is there any
way to check if the pressure cap is functioning correctly. My understanding
is that the pressure cap should be venting at 15 psi. It is a new pressure
cap. I have an 84 Vanagon that has a I4 (1.8 from a VW Jetta) in the back.
The Vanagon cooling system remains the same. New waterpump (new engine
actually), new thermostat and the rad was replaced about 8 years ago. I've
blown 2 hoses since the new engine. I'm pretty sure the system has been
bled correctly -- I've been putting coolant into the system from a tiny
hose that goes into the front bleeder (highest point in the system) and
leaving the highest points in the engine open until they fill -- closing
them and then continuing to fill until done. Then I bleed from the front
over a couple of days. The temp needle stays where it should, the fan goes
on when it should and everything seemed fine until the other day when I
blew the top hose on the engine -- which both my I and the machanic who had
done the engine agreed looked and felt fine. So I'm thinking the coolant
system is creating too much pressure. Hence my request for a way to check
if the cap is working as advertised. Grateful for any other thoughts from
the fount of wisdom that is this list.

Thanks,
Doug

--
http://www.dougalcock.com