Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2015 07:56:03 -0800
Reply-To: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger Whittaker <rogerwhitt1@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Sick sick sick of diesel Vanagon cooling problems
In-Reply-To: <B3E593FE-8F99-4327-95DB-B94DB7AA8746@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Dear coolant
We had that issue on out 1989 California model Diesel after we had the
engine replaced in Idaho -
I was very frustrated and called the shop a bazillion times - always blamed
on the air - I fought it all the way to Oakland Oregon where - while parked
on a hill so as to get air to the top I bled it off - and yes it took a
long time and a lot of coolant -
Where the old coolant went I have no idea -
Well part idea - sometimes when the light came on and alarm went off and
needle went up - all at the same time - we would pull over and twice when I
opened the resivior - there would be gurgle and then out it would come -
once it filled resivior with so much hot air it expanded to enormous size -
I still have new one in shop - even though our beloved California is long
gone - sigh we still miss her-
The neat part was the forced long stops while we waited it out -
Oakland was amazing and we ended up there as a stop measure after sitting
once again on the highway off ramp forever while it cooled -
We ended up overnighting in the van in Oakland Oregon - took loads of
coolant there and at one point a OHP Pulled over - a huge puddle of hot
coolant was spilling out - as I had just stopped -
I thought for sure I was going to get some sort of EPA ticket ---
Indeed not - he simply wanted to make sure we were ok and had the resources
to handle the situation - STEAM was a pouring out of everywhere -
I had bought some extra engine plumbing bits that were correct from Scott
in Medford - thanks Scott :) and we made it home to beautiful BC with out
further incident after OakLand -
We both liked the library in Oakland :)
So bottom line - drive a little til hot but not over heated - hill with
stern down - bleed at rad - drive a little til hot but not over heated-
hill with stern down - bleed at rad - and so on and so on and so on - have
an extra jug of coolant along -
Also a tray for drips if required -
Good luck
Regards
On Thursday, December 10, 2015, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
> Two weeks ago I completed the conversion of my diesel Vanagon Westy turbo
> diesel over to the new style tank with new engine hoses. As I write this I
> am sitting in a Hardee's parking lot waiting for about the 15th time in the
> last two weeks for my engine temps to go down to the point I can drive the
> car. Before I left home for the short drive, I bled the cooling system
> according to the Bentley for the eighth or 10th time since making the
> conversion. I have only managed to have heat from the heater once or twice
> in the last two weeks. I am on my second blue coolant In that time. When I
> wake up in the morning I check it first thing. Always there is considerable
> pressure left in the system from the night before. I installed a new
> thermostat. I tested the old thermostat and the new thermostat on the
> stove, and they both operated exactly the same. I put the new one in
> anyway. Usually I can drive somewhere as to a store maybe 4 miles away.
> Going to a store or on an errand it's likely to run just fine with the
> needle steady in the center all the way there. Then on the way back I
> typically have to pull over just like I have done now. I can let it cool
> down maybe leasing the L some air out, and then be on my way with a
> slightly hi or sometimes normal temp gauge. I never know what to expect.
> But no longer can listen to audio because I have to keep my attention
> riveted on the temp gauge. It's not leaking. I'm not losing coolant. I just
> can't get rid of this air bubble. I don't think I have a leaking head
> gasket because yesterday I drove to a town 100 miles away and back without
> really having any problems. There are some steep hills along the way. The
> temperature stayed normal. I don't find any soot in the coolant or water in
> the oil.
>
> Any ideas? The temps were perfect before my "upgrade."
>
> Jim
--
roger whittaker 604.414.6266
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