Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2015 09:36:59 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Coolant cap and other cooling system failures
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Long before the temp gauge indicates a problem the low coolant warning light should activate when a coolant loss occurs. By the time a coolant loss shows as a temperature problem the system has been compromised and some engine damage is already occurring. In the Waterboxer this damage includes the head to cylinder interface( internal gaskets) and the heads cooling unevenly and warping or cracking. The temp gauge is really there to provide information during warm up, steady state operation, and indicate changes during unusual loads or ambient conditions. It also works to indicate cooling fan failures. The failure modes and warning indicators should be known and heeded by any operator especially with these engines.
Alternator warning light, indicates alternator and water pump may not be turning, broken belt. Stop driving immediately to check out. Temperature gauge relies on coolant flowing. No pump, no flow. Gauge will not indicate the problem until water in engine is really hot and turning to steam.
Low coolant light. This comes on at a level where the cooling system is still functional. Waiting for high temperature is too late. If you actually lose all coolant and flow the gauge can actually read cold until enough heat gets to the t-stat housing to melt it.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jim Felder
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 1:58 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Coolant cap
No reason to freak out here if one keeps an eye on the temp gauge.
Sometimes you just need to get where you're headed.
Jim
On Wednesday, October 28, 2015, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> This idea could make it to a Darwin award. No place for pressure
> relief from expansion. If lucky a hose will let go before blowing the
> side off a radiator or heater core.
> Try a local auto parts store. Even Autozone has these caps or can get
> them in a day or two. New old stock and so far good quality.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> <javascript:;>] On Behalf Of PSD
> Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 4:17 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;>
> Subject: Re: Coolant cap
>
> The only redneck idea that comes to mind is placing a few squares of
> plastic wrap over the opening then screwing the cap down on it.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> <javascript:;>] On Behalf Of Stan Shapiro
> Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 4:02 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <javascript:;>
> Subject: Coolant cap
>
>
>
> My blue coolant cap is leaking slightly. I have another cap on order
> it will take 2 days. Any suggestions on what I could do that temporize
> the leak while I'm waiting for the cap?
> Here's the sad part, after reading this board, about a month ago I
> ordered two new caps but they were delivered to my house a few days
> after I left on this trip.
> Stan
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>
