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Date:         Mon, 27 Dec 1999 18:30:57 -0500
Reply-To:     Alan Pickersgill <pickersgill@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alan Pickersgill <pickersgill@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: coolant leak
Comments: To: Mike Miller <mwm@LANSET.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <004901bf50a8$97e72920$5e16a0d1@default>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Mike: The truth is that where the liquid appears is not a very strong clue as to where the leak is. Even in static things like houses water seeks whatever path is easiest, usually down hill, but where there is insulation/carpets and such it can be absorbed and wick in any direction then create a visible drip some distance from the leak. In a vehicle you add the factor of wind under the vehicle that can confuse the evidence.

That being said given the latitude you're talking about (back of sliding door) the most likely sources are probably: 1. the leak prone rear heater core - a relatively easy and inexpensive job by Vanagon standards - check for sweet smell when rear heater is open and rear blower turned on. Also do a visual inspection for coolant puddles under the rear seat.

2. The long pipes running from front to rear may be leaking. This is a bigger and more expensive deal - if they need to be replaced.

Both of these leaks happened in my '85 a couple of years ago.

The leaking pipe was found when changing the engine for a rebuilt. I went looking for trouble, especially in the area of the cooling system in order not to risk the new investment. One of the pipes was rusted out at the engine compartment end but just for a few inches. Mild prodding withe a screw driver created a large leak. We simply cut off the rotten few inches and created an extension with a bit of rubber hose and a piece of pipe to join it to the hose in the engine house. No problem since. But one day I may have to face the bigger job of replacing the full length of both pipes.

Alan Pickersgill Ottawa Ontario Canada 85 Transporter converted to West.

At 12:22 PM 27/12/99 -0800, Mike Miller wrote: >Hey list, > >I have coolant dripping from the frame crossrail behind the sliding door. I >will be looking for the source as soon as my migraine goes away and it warms >up [hasn't quite hit 60 degrees yet, I'm very sensitive or a wuss, depending >on your point of view] > >I'd like to hear from anyone who has good ideas about this problems, or good >wishes, or humor. What the heck, I'm not proud. > >TIA > >Mike >'85 Westy [at last, my very own waterleaker] > Alan Pickersgill Ottawa, ON Canada


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