You've had a very good run!  Same thing happened to me years ago on my previous '84.

The reason cold temps cause this is the rubber gasket gets hard when cold.  The colder it is the harder it gets, and it shrinks a bit too.  

The corrosion on the head etches a channel(s) that can seal when the rubber gasket heats, softens and expands.  Yours still might!  But you know what you need to do to fix it permanently.

Convert to a Subaru or Bostig.  Nice Christmas present for the Van!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of J Stewart
Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2013 3:22 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Well, I had a Good Run...

I've posted here before that my right cylinder head weeps coolant on very cold nights in winter. It has done this for 10 years! It was always a tiny amount, maybe a quarter size spot. Since the wife left, the Vanagon has had the garage. I drive the Vanagon at least once a week, usually more. Drove it last Sunday. Also on Sunday my motorcycle (Honda Valkyrie) wouldn't start, so last night I moved the Vanagon out so I could bring the bike in-after doing so I found a HUGE puddle of coolant on the floor. <SIGH> Not 100% sure yet its the head, but a good bet. I knew the day was coming, at least it wasn't hundreds of miles from home!

Jeff Stewart