Classic head gasket symptom.  I found that out about mine on this list for
the first time as well.  If not sure, pressure check the cooling system with
the motor at temp and around 2000 rpm.  If goes over 15#, they're gonzo.

Brian

----- Original Message -----
From: "DaBomb" <dabomb@TANJABARNES.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 12:44 PM
Subject: Overheating Issues

> Dear Volks,
>
> I took my van out to go camping this weekend.  About an hour and a half
into
> the drive, it overheated.  I pulled over and there was coolant dripping
from
> what appeared to be the overflow tank. There was definitely a spray
pattern
> coming from the tank. The overflow tank was full and the expansion tank
was
> low.
>
> I had my vehicle towed to Blodgett's Bug Barn in San Bernardino.  They
> replaced the radiator cap and the hose running from the expansion to the
> over flow tank.  I sat in the shop and watched while they performed a
> pressure test and  bled the system.  It took over an hour.  I got back out
> on the road, and not 10 miles later it happened again.  I had to have the
> car towed back to the shop and leave it there.
>
> I obviously don't work on my own vehicle, but am asking the list if
they've
> experienced anything like this or what they think the problem might be.
>
> For the record, this very same thing happened last August, and Chet and
> Cliff's in Sacramento replaced the identical items.
>
> It's one thing to shell out $$$ to fix the vehicle.  I knew what I was
> getting into when I took on a Vanagon.  But, it's quite another thing to
> shell out $$$ when the problem is not resolved.  Any response,
encouragement
> or advise would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Love and Rockets,
> DaBomb
> '89 Vanagon GL
>