hi...
regarding the reddish orange puddle .........
rusty old coolant ?
or Dexcool orange coolant ? ...........or VW orange ?
Is it using coolant ?

that's what I'd suggest first..
be sure it's a cooling system and head issue.
there are small hoses that can leak in that area also ....oil cooler.
and it's not Power Steering ATF somehow is it ?

it does help to have someone who knows them pretty well..
and likes waterboxer vangons too, for something to work on.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2011 12:56 PM
Subject: 2.1 L Head Leaks

>  It appears my 88 GL has developed a head leak.
>
> I went to the VA Hospital this mornig for a checkup, and when I came
> out, there was a reddish orange puddle underneath the van on the left
> side about where the head would be. Surely the dreaded head leak. Got
> about 137K on the rebuilt with no trouble with heads. I guess it was a
> pretty good rebuild.
>
> So now it must be done. I am not able to do this myself, so need
> recommendations as to how to go about getting this done. My main man has
> gone out of business, so that leaves only a Birmingham shop that I have
> heard of that does VW. The reports on the quality of work have been all
> over the place. Makes it rather iffy.
>
> Any suggestions on how to approach this problem would be appreciated.
>
> BTW, it's getting more and more difficult to find anyone in this region
> who is competent - and willing - to work on these vans.
>
> Thanks.
>
> John
>
> --
> John Rodgers
> Clayartist and Moldmaker
> 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com