That is a "Leak Down" test... the lead down is used for China (actually just
caught my typo)... sorry!

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jack R.
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 4:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Overheating, smoking, rough running

Jim,

A simple lead down should help determine if you have a cracked head.

As for a cheap repair idea... I used Bars Lead Head Gasket Repair on my
son's 91 BMW 325i, when it had 200k on it.  Followed the procedures to the
letter (remove ALL signs of coolant before putting in the system).  The car
had visible white vapor from the exhaust prior to the $10 repair, and I am
pleased to say that he drove 50k more miles, before other items failed!!
The head is still holding.  http://www.barsproducts.com/1100.htm

Since the Vanagon is so tough to burp all the air out, it will be a bit more
challenging, but a lot easier and cheaper than a head gasket repair.

Best of luck to you!

Let us know if this fixes your problem.

Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jim Felder
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Overheating, smoking, rough running

My 90 is losing water somewhere to the point that the reservoir must
be topped off every few weeks. I thought I had a water pump going bad
but I recently noticed a lot of white smoke on startup and until the
engine is good and hot, The car idles rough. Even when it's warmed up,
the car runs a bit rough (with the engine revving free, it seems OK
under load but a little lumpy at low speeds).

I guess this means that I may have a cracked head or a head gasket
problem, since I can't account for the water loss on the outside of
the car.  I have't noticed any gunk in the coolant, though.

What can I do to verify the head situation?  I have a standard
compression tester but I don't think it has the reach to get down into
a vanagon head.

Jim