On Fri, 30 Apr 2004, John Runberg wrote:

> > 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.

Yup, the gaskets harden with age and start to leak.  They live a hard
life, dealing with pressure, wide temperature swings, and expanding and
contracting metal.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon
'82 VW Vanagon Westfalia Diesel