While leaving the pressure cap loose may allow the combustion gasses to
escape easier, it reduces the cooling systems efficiency. With being
pressurized, the cooling system will need regular topping off. Each time
fresh coolant is added, so is new oxygen to help things corrode faster.
Also, if combustion gas is getting into the cooling system then you can
bet coolant is getting into the cylinders and eventually into the
crankcase. Glycol in the crankcase both dilutes the engine oil and it is
extremely corrosive to the bearings. So to keep running this way will
allow you to go from gaskets and/or heads to needing a new engine.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Robert Copich
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 2:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: air blowing into coolant truth and/or consequences

Members
It would seem that one of our more common problems is air getting into
the
coolant.  My 84 westy is starting to exhibit some of the symptoms and
I'm
wanting to postpone any major repairs for the time being.  A friend of
mine
said that he drove his Vanagon for years with the radiator cap (off or
loose
I don't recall) so thayt any pressure build up due to air would not
occur.
It kinda makes sense.  Any opinions?
Robert

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