Date:         Sat, 22 Jun 1996 18:22:24 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Bill/Lisa Protzek <bprotzek@cdsnet.net>
Subject:      Re: '82 diesel cooling problem

Robert Cronin wrote:
> I had a hose split in 
> The temp gauge which was in its normal operating level (low) began a
> steady ascent towards the "red zone".  I considered driving the last 4
> miles home, but quickly thought better of it.
> After pulling over, I quickly noticed the steam from evaporating coolant
> pouriong out the engine compartment.  It was obvious I had a leak
> somewhere, but as dusk was settling in I was having trouble finding a
> split hose or any source of the coolant.  I peered even closer,
> concentrating on the reservoir, which was making some strange noises.
> The blast from the exploding reservoir literally knocked me down! :0 As I  sat on the ground wondering who shot at me, I quiclky realized the 
problem
> as coolant poured out from underneath the van .
> The Van is safe at home now, after a tow.
> Any ideas?  I havent checked into it as its dark now, but I plan to test
> the thermostat.  Does that sound like the problem?  Obviously, the
> pressure had built up.  Perhaps a clogged radiator?  I need Advice!
> Does anyone know whether the reservoir is the same out of a gas vanagon?
> Thanks in advance.
> Paul Cronin
> 82 westy diesel

As proud owner of another Westy Diesel, it sounds as if you've blown a 
head gasket from the original overheating incident, and in the process, 
compression and combustion gasses are leaking into the cooling jacket, 
pushing the cooling water away from the metal even more, while sending 
the coolant pressure sky-high.  'Never had it happen on the Westy, but 
have owned a couple of Rabbit and Dasher Diesels that have been 
unortunate enough to suffer your same symptoms.  Sorry!, and good luck 
with the fix.  You'll probably have to pull and repair and/or replace 
the head and gasket.

Bill Protzek
'82 Westy Diesel