Shawn,

I went through this last year.  Started out with a few red drops around the
heads.  A couple months later it was a puddle under the van.  Got
progressively worse--as winter came on (the local parts shop says they leak
more when the temperature is cold).  Got to where I had to add coolant every
day I drove it.  When the heads were pulled, they were fine--no pitting.
Just needed a new gasket.  Except that a valve was bad.

I'd get it fixed now.  You could be poisoning cats and other critters with
coolant.  You don't want to worry about it on the road.  Maybe you just need
a new gasket, which is no big thing.  Then again, maybe you need new
heads...  Maybe you can catch it before you need new heads!

Bill
88 Westy
Springfield, MO

>From: shawn luft <shawnagan@SYMPATICO.CA>
>Reply-To: shawn luft <shawnagan@SYMPATICO.CA>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Coolant Leaking, ok to drive?
>Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 07:09:01 -0400
>
>Hello
>
>I recently purchased a nice little '86 Camper GL, however I see there is
>small drops of radiator coolant accumulating underneath the engine.
>
>I am familiar with the head problems as per vanagon.com, however can you
>all please share your feeling on this with me.  Is it ok to keep driving
>for a bit?  Can I leave for summer vacation with a slow coolant leak?
>How 'deadly' is this problem, if you keep the coolant levels filled?
>
>I'd appreciate any feedback on this, as it's a new issue to me!
>
>Thanks,
>Shawn
>'73 Campmobile
>'86 Camper GL

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