The first time I ever had to change out a head gasket, I had a week to
get it done (while I was working) and left for an 800 mile trip to new
york the morning after I finished. It'll work if you follow good
advice from this list. Some are advising using a stop leak product
now. It didn't help me but it might help you. I'd try it, the
expensive ($10 or so) barr's treatment available at your local parts
store.

Jim

On Thu, Jan 22, 2009 at 10:56 PM, Mark A Kippert <vanagon@kippert.com> wrote:
> 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
>