Date:         Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:18:27 -0600
Reply-To:     JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Arggh! Cooling system woes.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Ran over something recently, then noticed coolant light come on
somewhere down the road, miles beyond the impact. Stopped, looked in the
expansion tank - and coolant was low. I always keep some in the van, so
topped it off, and drove on. After getting home, I could see a drip,
drip, drip underneath a bit forward of the engine. I figured a plastic
coolant pipe had been damaged. Had it put up on a rack in a reputable
garage for better inspection and the drip was diagnosed as coming from a
rubber hose that the tranny shifter had rubbed through. I left it with
the shop to replace the hose, and after getting a call that it was
ready, went to pick it up. When my transportation service dropped me
off, ,my van was parked out front, and I immediately saw the van sitting
in a puddle of water that had run out all over and down the drive. I
thought - uh-oh! About that time the mechanic came out - and not seeing
the van - pronounced again it was ready to go, and I pointed to the
puddle. His initial remark was "That must be water from the rails etc,
when we opened it up underneath to replace the hose. I said I have never
seen that much coolant before and I want it checked. About that time the
owner cam out and took one look and told the mechanic to get it back on
the rack and have another look. Later in the day, I got another call,
and the owner asked - do you you have any of those plastic pipes? I
think we are going to need one or both.

So - I've no van for the weekend - it's in the shop - and I'm still not
convinced about the pipes. I haven't seen this bogey-man for myself, and
until I do, I'm not buying pipes. But I do suspect that is the problem.
But what is really problematic for me is the direction things have gone.

Maybe Monday will bring a different perspective. Sure hope so.

Just had to air this a bit. I'm a little frustrated because I have two
operational "88's and both are down with cooling system problems.

The second van, while just sitting, began to leak back jut forward of
the crank pulley. It just sat there and coolant slowly drained out. It's
a hose, easy fix with the appropriate short section and a couple of
gaskets for hardware that attaches. Should be easy, right! Not so. My
Fav vendor sent the parts ordered to a wrong address, and it will be two
weeks Monday IF the parts arrive then.

As somebody said "Stuff happens, and it it always rolls down hill!!"

Monday represents a new week - maybe things will be better.

Thanks for "listening" Volks. I just needed to air my frustrations. I
have two operational "88's and both are down with cooling system problems.

John Rodgers