Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2022 21:56:23 -0700
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: cooling system hose clamps
In-Reply-To: <0325EA98-3F9C-4C50-B664-77EAF4E95E81@markmcculley.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I’d posit…
That when idling and the rad fan on, you’re getting the full coolant system pressure.
So why no smell?
You get the smell as you drive, you smell it from the drivers seat?
I apologize if I’m asking answered questions
Alistair
> On Sep 22, 2022, at 9:38 PM, Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
>
> Yes, the radiator fan was on.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Sep 22, 2022, at 9:24 PM, Alistair Bell <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>
>> Mark.
>>
>> Have you idled until the rad fan comes on?
>>
>> Alistair
>>
>>>> On Sep 22, 2022, at 9:10 PM, Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Here's another data point:
>>>
>>> I can't reproduce the problem without actually driving the van. If I let it idle in the driveway until coolant and oil temperature comes up to operating level and then run for another 10 minutes there is no coolant smell. If I drive it for 10 or 15 minutes I get the smell.
>>>
>>> -Mark
>>>
>>>>> On Sep 22, 2022, at 7:58 AM, Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> About a year ago I had my cooling system revamped with a new radiator, water pump, stainless steel pipes to the radiator, and many new hoses. Since then I can smell coolant outside the van after driving it. I took it back to the mechanic, said they pressurized the system and found no leaks. There is no evidence to be found of any coolant dripping on the pavement beneath the van, only the smell. On a recent 200 mile trip the van depleted most of the coolant in the overflow tank. The rear heater core is bone dry, that isn't the problem.
>>>>
>>>> The coolant smell is strong on the right rear side so I've been looking at the hoses and connections in that area. I suspect the leak may be at the hose connection on the front of the right head. This connection is above the exhaust outlet so any coolant that leaked would be vaporized and never reach the ground. This connection is a new silicone hose with a new screw-type hose clamp.
>>>>
>>>> My question here is whether an ear clamp (Oetiker style) would be better than a screw-type clamp for this application.
>>>>
>>>> Also part of the revamp was a new aluminum coolant reservoir with a 16lb pressure cap. I've also wondered if the cap might be defective, causing the system to run at a higher than designed pressure.
>>>>
>>>> I spent a lot of $$ so that the all important cooling system would be robust and I wouldn't have to worry about it, very dismayed to have to keep troubleshooting this. I appreciate any observations or comments.
>>>>
>>>> Regards,
>>>> Mark
>>>> '87 syncro
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