Date:         Tue, 19 May 1998 14:34:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Felix.Martel@CUM.QC.CA
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Felix.Martel@CUM.QC.CA
Subject:      Air in my coolant - part deux
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain

Hi,

A few weeks back, I posted a note on an air accumulation problem with my
'86 Vanagon Wasserboxer. At the time I changed the expansion tank cap to
confirm that it wasn't at fault. I'm still getting air in my coolant. I
assume this air is coming from my heads. However, if I bleed the system
(following the Bentley procedure), I can get all the air out and I can
let the engine run forever at idle and no air accumulates.

If I go for a fairly long ride (one hour or more) at highway speeds,
everything's fine - until I stop. If I stop and shut off the engine, and
then re-start it, I get the idiot light coming on signifying that my
expansion tank level is low. Does this mean the air bubble forms in the
radiator and moves back to the expansion tank upon engine shut down ?

Does anyone know of some trick to bleed the air as it forms in order to
put off a head job ? My engine is running really well right now. Burns
no oil (well almost - about 1 qt /2k mi) and has plenty of guts (I
regularly pass other Westies going uphill).

Thanks in advance.

Felix
'86 Syncro Westy

PS Please reply by pmail as I'm on digest.