Hi, you don't need an engine rebuilt, what you need is a head gasket job /
engine re-seal.

Ben

On Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:56:52 -0500, 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