This is not a different issue - this is my cooling issue....  :)

I have a question to ask the experts regarding the bad cap theory.  I get
how the fluid ends up in the overflow tank - but if it just a cap, where
does the air/gas come from the displaces the coolant - and why does it not
pull the coolant back into the pressure tank when it cools?

To Richard; if you replace the cap, and then start having exploding
hoses/heater cores/plastic connectors/etc - then you are probably in the
realm of the head gasket/cracked head world.  I believe you can do a quick
and dirty test of the pressure cap by simply squeezing the coolant hoses
after the van has been running - are they stiff and inflated, as compared
to squishy when the van is cool.

Tom

On Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 4:44 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:

> Make sure the pressure cap is functioning properly. It has to be able to
> hold the system under pressure. After that you have the classic symptoms of
> combustion gasses getting into the cooling system.   The usual causes are
> loose heads/failed internal gaskets or a cracked head. You need to make
> sure
> that coolant isn't leaking back into the cylinders. Even small amounts of
> coolant getting into the cylinders and then the oil will do damage.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Richard Golen
> Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 7:18 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: A Different Coolant Problem
>
> Dear List Members,
>
> Here's a coolant problem for you to ponder. Recently, on my 87 Westy, after
> being driven on the highway for an hour or more, the overflow tank gets
> completely filled. Sometimes, the coolant level is so high that coolant
> sprays from the vent hole on the top of the tank.
>
> The tank slowly goes back to normal level if the van sits for a day or so,
> or if I let it idle for a while after the engine is cooled down.
>
> While driving, the temp gauge is in its normal position. I've also bled the
> system a couple of times using a "bong".
>
> Any ideas as to what could be causing this?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Ric
> Sent from my iPad
>