can you pressure test it ?
I did see one diesel block cracked right at a head bolt hole on that end of
the block once.
Just that one ever though.

and that flange on the end  of the head ......you checked that ?
leaking freeze plug seems unlikely to me , at least I have never seen one
....maybe one on the underside of the block ..
but never in the bell housing area. .
Head gasket possibly of course.  I don't like to see the heads left on 'just
forever' ..like 8 years is a long time.

pressure test would be a good test to do.
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Shawn Wright" <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 8:52 PM
Subject: I-4 coolant leak from block?

> My 1.6TD has developed a coolant leak which appears to be from the end of
> the block - coolant is appearing between the block and bellhousing.
> Possibilities I can think of are failed head gasket right at end of block,
> leaking frost plug on end, or cracked block. Anything else I should check?
> I
> just took it for a drive to get hot, and then looked everywhere for leaks
> but all I could find is dampness/steam on the bellhousing area - all the
> hoses/fittings appear dry.
>
> Yes... it's back on the road, and no, I don't want to talk about brakes.
> :-/
> --
> Shawn Wright
> '88 TD Westy