Date:         Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:44:33 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Missing coolant
Comments: To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <034901d0fa32$3903e610$ab0bb230$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Stuart, the key here is in the way the expansion tank works. If it's the
heads, combustion gas pressure will empty the expansion tank into the over
flow tank when its warm, and all will appear normal, but when the engine
cools, it will not draw collant back into the tank. Also, you may have a
miniscule crack in the plastic that only opens up when warm. And finally,
if a tiny leak only occurs when the engine is warm, and mskrs it's way to
the exhaust somehow/somewhere, it will eveporate by the time you can stop,
shut down, an look/see. BTDT!

  -John
On Sep 28, 2015 16:11, "Stuart MacMillan" <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:

> Just when everything seems to be sorted out, it isn't.  Son's '87 is losing
> over a quart of coolant every 400 miles, and I can't find any leaks.  Rear
> heater has been removed, and there is no odor from the front heater.  No
> drips anywhere-engine plumbing, heads, transmission cooler, radiator, or
> front heater valve.  No evidence of coolant mixing with either the
> transmission fluid or engine oil, and that much coolant would certainly
> foam
> oil.
>
>
>
> I'm wondering if it's burning coolant, but in my experience failed sealing
> rings in Vanagons lead to over pressurization of the system, and that's not
> happening. It also runs great. I sometimes notice a faint smell of burning
> coolant at the engine compartment vents, but I can't find anything dripping
> on the exhaust when the system is pressurized.
>
>
>
> Would investing in a UV leak detection kit tell me anything?  It would seem
> losing this much coolant would show up somewhere.
>
>
>
> Any ideas?
>
>
>
> Stuart
>