In addition to what Dennis said check the condition of the exp[ansion tank,
cap and sensor....
Plenty of hoses in that area that can blow.....

Steven J.
91 Westy

On Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 5:35 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:

> After a massive coolant loos the engine should not be operated until the
> problem is resolved. With the coolant temperature sensor relying on the
> proper flow of coolant you can't completely rely on it if the system can't
> hold coolant or it is not flowing. When you refilled the system did you
> fill
> the pressure tank inside the engine compartment, (good), or the refill tank
> behind the license plate, (not good)?
>
> In addition if it is the water pump a sudden massive coolant loss there
> often means a bearing failure. This usually means the pump impeller is now
> eating into the case.
>
> The usual things to look for are the pump, hoses, the water pump return
> pipe, especially the heater return tee braking off, and unfortunately the
> outer head gasket.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Ian Stewart
> Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2012 10:12 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Severe coolant leak
>
> Hello, I have a 1987 2.1L 4-speed, and last night, I experienced a sudden
> and severe discharge of coolant from the left side of the vehicle. When I
> parked it after a two-mile crosstown jaunt, steam was coming out of the
> driver side air intake, and a big puddle of liquid was on the ground. I
> managed to get it back home without overheating, and left it until the
> morning. This morning, there was no coolant on the ground underneath the
> vehicle, but a much smaller (about 1/2 inch diameter) drip began to occur
> once I refilled the coolant bottle. I looked inside the engine compartment,
> and my current hypothesis is that it's one of the gaskets or hoses on the
> water pump. That seems to me to be the only component on that side of the
> engine capable of generating such a gusher. Also, nothing directly beneath
> the coolant refill bottle, recovery bottle, or any of their hoses is wet.
> However, I'm still getting a significant amount of coolant dispersed all
> over the back of the van in droplets when I drive it. The overheat light
> doesn't trip; but the temperature gauge is registering slightly higher when
> the engine is warmed up, 3/4 of the way up instead of the usual 2/3. Water
> pump was replaced almost 4 years ago when I had one of the heads replaced.
> In any event, I am going to be putting the van up on a mechanic's rack
> Monday morning and trying to pinpoint the problem. I would appreciate
> suggestions for things to look for, and things I should probably go ahead
> and replace. Potentially water pump, hoses and clamps, thermostat,
> temperature sensor...?
>