on 1/4/02 5:00 AM, Automatic digest processor at LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
wrote:

> Date:    Thu, 3 Jan 2002 20:49:51 -0800
> From:    Mark Keller <kelphoto@ISLANDNET.COM>
> Subject: warm up and coolant pressure on head gasket seals
>
> Greetings Listees,
>
> The following article is largely speculation on my part, but I offer it
> as my belief and treatment to the waterboxer's head corrosion problem.
------ big SNIP --------------------------------------------
> Lastly with operation a  cold engine at the high rpms of 3000 could
> cause the coolant pressure could to be high enough to be pushed beneath
> the water jacket seals due to low clamping forces and a closed
> thermostat and a water pump impeller capable of pushing coolant over 30
> ft of hose.
>  Even with the heater loops open , I feel that engine operation should
> stay below 2000 RPM for a couple of minutes, to allow the cooling
> jackets metals to warm up, and keep coolant from entering beneath the
> water jackets.

======= after way too much coffee, ============

Has anyone put a gauge on a coolant hose to actually measure
pressure??  Does it make sense that lower pressure is better?
If the pressure is enough to bulge hoses, are head seals also stressed?

I've heard of engines doing perfectly well with no radiator caps.
(early Land Cruiser)

I recall a previous note about an alternative coolant with
higher heat exchange properties than VW coolant. Could this coolant
be used to prevent high pressure pushing under the seals?

Paul
'87 westy