Mia,

Unless you can see the head gaskets clearly leaking, I'd just replace the
expansion tank (not too expensive) and see how your coolant level fares.

If the head gaskets have a slow leak, follow Mr BZ's advise.  The only thing
I'd add to that is don't add the Bars Leak all at once. Add it in stages
with some driving in between. This will keep heavy clots of the stuff from
fouling up the system.  Good luck.

John Meeks
'91 Multivan
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com

On Fri, Jul 30, 2010 at 3:26 PM, Mia Miller <miamiller@gmail.com> wrote:

> I am looking for some wisdom from those more experienced with our beloved
> vans.  I took my 84 Westy to the shop for a coolant leak.  It was not
> overheating on the gauge or light, but the reservoir tank was always empty
> after running short trips over a couple of days.  The bad news:  the shop
> said that two head gaskets are leaking (at least externally) and the
> expansion tank has a leak (not significantly?).  Obviously I got expensive
> estimates to repair the leaks, replace the engine with a used one, or buy a
> rebuilt one.  I have used the garage before and trust them as they came
> recommended to me.  However, I am looking for the cheapest way to keep her
> on the road.  I also don't have the knowledge to understand the mechanical
> problems myself.  The van has 121,000 miles.  Otherwise the van runs great.
> I recently drove it from Pennsylvania to Indiana (home) and apart from
> fussing about starting when warm, she purred right along.  It was in PA for
> several months as my brother repaired some rust, small dents, and repainted
> it for me.  She looks amazing...now I must figure out how to keep it
> running.
>
> Any wisdom about how I should proceed or ramifications of adding coolant
> and
> running for a while?
>
> Thanks!  I appreciate this list and all that it has taught me in the two
> plus years of owning Maxine.
>
> Mia
>