Rich, I currently run my '84 with a deliberate pin-hole leak in the pressure
cap.  Yes, I may have some problems with head gaskets, but van has lasted
over 4 years in this condition and it is a sure cure for situation where
system is coolant tight, but not air tight.

I wouldn't want to do this at higher elevations.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rico Sapolich" <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2001 10:50 PM
Subject: Re: Coolant with Zero Pressure

> In a message dated 10/14/01 10:01:57 PM, larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA
> writes:
>
> << What is the harm of running the coolant system with no pressure? I know
> that the
> coolant will boil at a lower temperature but that's not likely during a
> Canadian
> winter (is it?). I'd like to limp through until spring. Any
suggestions/advice
> would be greatly appreciated. >>
>
> Larry,
>
> Working from a memory aged like a fine wine for 35 years, I believe the
> specific heat of a coolant varies directly with pressure in a closed
system.
> But, wait.  You no longer have a closed system.  This setup is malo,
Larry,
> and it is going to strain, and perhaps ruin, an engine that already is
> compromised by age.  You might be able to limp into spring by keeping a
> worrisome eye on the temp gauge and a gerry can of coolant at the ready,
then
> again, you might end up walking into spring.  You know what you have to
do.
>
> Rich
>