I've been a Vanagon owner since last October and I've started to think
I was slowly clearing up issues with my '86 GL, resolving poor
grounds, rough idle, sloppy wiring etc. when I get hit with a coolant
leak. I've noticed that the level has been dropping very gradually
(maybe a half pint per tank of gas) when I just notice that it's
dropping more quickly.

This morning I notice a damp spot (about 6" in diameter) under the
engine on the passenger's side. Not a puddle, just wet. I gave it a
swipe with my finger and took a taste. Yup, antifreeze. I looked
underneath but didn't see anything. I took it for a spin to warm up
the engine, parked in the drive (with the engine idling nicely) and
took a look underneath. There I see a very slow drip where the head
and cylinder meet (passenger side rear). A drip about every 4-5
seconds (I didn't really time it).

I don't know if this matters but I had checked compression on the
engine about a month ago. I got the following:
1) 115 (Passenger front)
2) 140 (Passenger rear) (the leak is under the cylinder)
3) 105 (driver rear)
4) 110 (driver front)

Is it time to rebuild?

Any thoughts on how long this will take to become a full blown gusher?
Will it? Should I stop driving it? As far as I can tell no coolant is
getting into the cylinder as there is no increase in white vapor in
the exhaust (nor the sick sweet smell).

I'm really bummed as I had hope to go to my first Vanagon outing in
February, the Busses by the Beach BRR. I'm afraid to leave indy now,
let alone drive two and a half hours.

Mark K
1986 GL 2WD