Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2014 21:42:04 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Head Leaking Around The Head Nut(S)
In-Reply-To: <1377264855.1134869.1397431688153.JavaMail.root@sz0063a.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net>
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As other noted it is possible the head is cracked. More likely the nuts and studs were not properly prepared and you didn't get proper preload or the studs are shot and needed to be replaced. Also if you filled the cap nuts with the sealant or oil grease, whatever, the studs will bottom out hydraulically before you actually clamp down the head. The loss of coolant with no obvious leaks can be caused by combustion gasses getting into the cooling system. This will also be the result of the heads not being properly clamped to the cylinders. If the lower nuts leak coolant will get into the oil.
As for burping it is normal to maybe have to top off the coolant once or twice after a major re-fill. Once running it will purge itself. Not the heads should not have to be retourqed. If they did loosen and you keep tightening you will end up with snapped studs and boy can that make a big mess.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of J Stewart
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2014 7:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Vanagon Head Leaking Around The Head Nut(S)
OK I've posted some of this story on Facebook, just got back from Everybus. Condensed version: replaced right side head gasket two weeks ago. Put about 150 miles on the van before leaving Friday for Everybus, no problems (well couple of minor ones). 170 miles into the trip Friday coolant light starts blinking. Pull over, let it cool, top it off and hit the road. 10 miles later blinking again. Do the same. Repeat 3 more times but get to Everybus. Every time I stopped, nothing dripping from the van, engine is dry. Folks are telling me I didn't burp it. I'm skeptical. Today coming home it was low about every 100 miles, light would come on, but now I'm seeing drips from the right side. It "APPEARS", very hard to tell, but it appears to be leaking around one of the upper cylinder head nuts (torqued to 40lbs and I used the yellow goop) With the AFM, air filter, hoses, etc. it is hard to see, but that is what it is looking like. Is it customary to retorque the heads after xxx miles? Longing for an inline 4, Suby, Zetec, just about anything else besides this waterboxer!! Jeff
Jeff Stewart
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