Hi Chuck,
    Not a good scenario you describe. It is most likely a bad head gasket. The big rubber one between the heads and the block.
Putting a little pressure on the coolant system when cold will increase the flow.
Darrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Keeter" <ckeeter@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 2:03 PM
Subject: cold weather leaks

> Hi Volks,
>
> I have just noticed that when the weather turned cold, I devlope a
> coolant leak in my engine. When you wun the van for a bit, the leak
> stops (best I can tell) and does not return till the temp drops in the
> lower 30's. I can see a small puddle of coolant on the top of the
> moter by the heads on each side, but I cannot find the leak to save
> me. I have tried feeling around the hoses, but I can't find any
> source of the leak. It's not a lot of coolent, maybe a 1/4 cup at
> most, if that much.
>
> Has anyone else had this happen?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Chuck Keeter
> 1983.5 Westy
>