Yes, these tanks are prone to cracking near the seam. When replacing,
replace the water level sensor also. Remove the tank with the engine
cold, then refill it before starting the engine. There will be no need
for further bleeding. The system will purge any air that gets in here on
it's own.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Bike Florida
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2004 8:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: coolant tank started leaking

I have a '87 Vanagon, it is very reliable. Today, I had to drive a few
miles
on a washboard dirt road, very bumpy. Then later in the day, I noticed a
coolant leak. It seems to be coming from the coolant tank, not the
overflow
(which is now empty). But the bracket under the main coolant tank if
full of
coolant and it drips down onto the ground. Are these things prone to
cracking? Is there anything else that may be wrong that I might want to
look
at? Also, I guess this is going to have me bleeding the system, which I
have
never done. I could use a couple of pointers there too.

Jerry