>>> starting with a leak down test.

>> out the compressor tomorrow and have a look anyway. "
>
> "compressor" ???
> what compressor ?

My Hitachi air compressor... to hook up to my leakdown tester.... to
put compressed air into the combustion chambers.... to test how well
they hold pressure... you know, a leakdown test?

> I would say an IR temp gun is mandatory to own and use if you're chasing any
> coolant or temp issues.

I would have to agree.

>> There was boiling upon shutoff, when the coolant stops
>> flowing and soaks up heat from the hot metal bits.
>
> Of course you realize millions of cars don't do this when their coolant
> stops circulating.
> The temp of the coolant in the engine does  goes up some yes, for the first
> few minutes after shut down......
> but it's normally never an issue, and 'boiling' isn't normal.

Well yeah, that's why I decided to see if I couldn't get the
temperature down a bit. I may pressure test tohe cooling system with
the cap on, just to see what happens, but I'm fairly certain at this
point that it's holding pressure OK.

> how about this.........
> what precisely is the coolant mixture you are using ???
> brand , type, and water/a-frz proportion.
> I think you said Blue Pentosin.

50-50 blue pentosin and distilled water, changed yearly.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"