You may very well have exhaust gases getting into the coolant system and
pressurizing it. However, before you go through an expensive head
repair, first change out the thermostat for a new one. Be sure the new
one is the correct one. I would get one  from one of our list vendors,,
because of a bad experience trying to use one gotten from my FLAPS.
Their catalogs said it would work. It didn't fit right.

I went through something like this and changing the thermostat solved
the problem.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

ONANOV wrote:

>I'm guessing you've got combustion gasses in the system.  Not a good thing
>from my own personal experience.
>
>Donald Baxter
>'85 GL
>Iowa City, IA
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "MICHAEL POPE" <raskayamon@MSN.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2003 8:24 AM
>Subject: Coolant Overflowing!
>
>
>Hey now volks,
>
>Well I have been battling some drips on my main rad pipes for a couple of
>weeks, seems like I have it temp fixed by adding a couple of more clamps(
>till I can afford to replace the pipes) has been dry for at least a week.
>anyway I have been having a hard time getting all of the air out of the
>system( using Boston Bob method) I can see the air in the small plastic
>pipes in engine compartment. When I drive on hwy overflow tank eventually
>fills up and spits coolant everywhere (the van is not overheating I can
>drive for long periods and it will not overheat just puke coolant). Going to
>take it in for pressure and leak down as soon as I can. Had combustion
>gasses in system when I bought van/ new heads 10,000 miles ago. Is this same
>problem or am I just not getting all the air out as a lot probably got in
>with those pipes leaking for almost a month off and on? Thanks for the help.
>
>Michael
>89 Westy-Rosebud
>
>
>