Date:    Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:57:14 -0600
From:    Jay Roth <bghuna@MCHSI.COM>
Subject: radiator leak

Oh trusted vanagon listees:

I humbly approach with request for advice. Please don't thrash a newbie
for asking - but here's the scenario:

Today I was giving the '87 Westy the once over and lubing a few areas
enderneath when I noticed a stain on the concrete in the front of the
van. It was coolant leaking from the seam on the radiator (left -
driver's - side) and trickling down the support. This is a relatively
slow leak at this time, but my guess is that it's getting worse since
the level in the refill tank has dropped a little (but not below the Min
level line).

My questions:
If one has only a few tools and little experience, is replacing the
radiator "do-able" if I can find a replacement? Should I order new
german radiator or no?

I've owned the van (with 334K miles) two years and haven't changed the
coolant (which is currently VW Blue). Without beginning the "not coolant
again" wars, what's the recommendation on coolant (and yes, I've checked
the archives but opinions change). Feel free to pmail me with your
opinion so as to not clog the list...

--
Love, Light, & Laughter
Jay

Jay,

The radiator is a piece of cake. Pull the spare tire, pull the hoses, pull the grill and pull the temp switch plug, coupla-four bolts for the lower radiator bracket, and it's out.  Radiators are available from the usual vendors.  Jack the front up a coupla feet, loosen the vent plug from the top of the radiator, run the rpm up to ~2000 and let it run till it reaches operating temp.  Then keep adding coolant to the reservoir (not the overflow where you usuall put in coolant/water) until all the bubbles are gone, and you have clear coolant oozing from the vent plug (and have the heater control valve(s) fully open to ensure the cores get purged), tighten the plug and voila! You're done. An hour's work tops.  Have fun.

Keith Hughes