On 8/13/04 5:38 PM, "Tim Demarest" <tim.demarest@pobox.com> wrote:

> At 05:02 PM 8/13/2004 -0400, Cory Sammons wrote:
>> I think the risk of carrying antifreeze is minor.  I also think that
>> the odds of needing it in an emergency are minor.
> 
> The risk of carrying it is indeed minor, the odds of needing it vary with
> the age of your hoses... but if you need it, you *NEED* it.
> 
> According to many sad stories I've read on this very list, the WBX is prone
> to head warpage when it overheats. I'd rather carry coolant I don't need,
> than wait for (and pay) the AAA guy. Replacing the heads is expensive, and
> not my idea of fun!... Just my $.02.
> 
> Oh, and since it's Fried-day... whattya mean GREEN!!! :-)
> 
Ok
Im posting this to the list after trying to respond to everyone individually
My point was not that you will never have problems with your cooling system
You almost undoubtedly will
My point was that ANTIFREEZE is not necessary
Unless I am missing something (please correct me if I am), water will do the
job in almost all cases until you can make more permanent repairs
Chemical coolant has several advantages, but water will get you down the
road in a pinch
That�s why the tank in my westy is never less than half full, despite all
the extra weight
Not my 2 cents worth since I spent everything I had replacing my coolant
pipes last week
Cory Sammons
84 Westy
99 New Beetle
Gardiner, NY