> I tend to think the leaks happen first, and the pitting is caused by the
> leaking coolant. It doesn't make sense to me otherwise -- how can the
> coolant pit a surface it doesn't touch?
Makes sense, but still doesn't answer why the leaks start in the first place. Maybe it's a design fault, but you'd think it would be well documented by now. As far as water/coolant goes I think I'll just re-read the manual and verify by asking the dealer. Both references are smarter than I am and I'd be good to follow their lead :)

john