Thanks all for your input on this one, even though I don't have it fixed
yet.

Funny it hasn't leaked since my report. It must be afraid of you list
members.

Your input did prompt me to do some investigating.
After some testing I found the high stage on the fan thermo-switch is bad.

The leak, I'm not sure. Could have just gotten too hot after the long drive
up our steep road and then parked. I don't know. Fix that switch first and
then see if it does it again.

Thank again!

-Steven Dodson
Kneeland, CA
"Inga" the 87 Syncro

-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Alofs [mailto:lalofs@enteract.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 6:18 PM
To: Steven Dodson; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Coolant Leak! Help!

Steven Dodson wrote:
>
> I need some advice. I live 6 miles up a mountain road, it's quite steep in
> some places on the way up, especially the last half mile. A couple days
ago
> I noticed a small (6" dia) puddle of coolant under the rear bumper. I
could
> find no wet spots on the van. I ran some errands yesterday afternoon (it
was
> warm out) and in the evening I saw a larger puddle, same area but now much
> larger (6 x 18"). I checked the coolant level and it looked fine. I did
find
> some wet spots on sheet metal, directly under the pulleys. I could not see
a
> source.
>

Leaks in this area can be very hard to track down.  The water pump is of
course a possibility.  Try to look at the bottom of the place where the
shaft comes out while the engine is running or just after you shut it
off while hot.  There are also many hoses and tubes with clamps to
check.  If I recall there is a steel tube about the size of your little
finger which may be rusted thru.
  You might consider improvising some way to keep the system under 10 or
15 psi of pressure so that you can take your time in the search.
  Good luck,
Larry A.