I took the dash out not too long ago to replace the blower. It really
wouldn't be such a bad job if not for the aftermarket AC stuffed in there.
That definitely made it a challenge getting back together.

On Thu, Feb 18, 2016, 12:28 PM thewestyman <zolo@foxinternet.net> wrote:

> Often the heater core itself is faulty.
> Zoltan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael McSwain
> Sent: Thursday, February 18, 2016 9:12 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Expansion tank under pressure when cold?
>
> Well I was able to open the expansion tank this morning without overflow.
> My parking spot is on an ever so slight incline and I guess it was enough
> that I needed to back it in to put the back end on the high side.
>
> I tried pumping about 8psi into the expansion tank and immediately found
> some bubbles coming out of the top hose of the H pipe. Put on a new hose
> clamp and snugged it up and that seems ok now. Also found the rear heater
> core valve to be leaking.  Put a Home Depot ball valve in just before the
> old valve and left it closed. As I'm writing this however I'm thinking that
> the old valve still needs to be replaced.  Would the return side of the
> rear heater core still have pressure with the valve closed or would there
> be suction? Either way it will either be pushing coolant out or sucking air
> in. I guess another ball valve on the return line would work.
>
> Still smell a little antifreeze in the cab though so I'm guessing I have a
> problem with or near the front heater core.
>
> Can't tell you how much I appreciate this community. I would never have
> sold my Canadian model 85 Wolfsburg Westy in 1999 if I had access to so
> many knowledgeable folks willing to share their experience.
>
> On Thu, Feb 18, 2016, 11:12 AM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > Using the emissions sniffer or even test solutions to look for
> > hydrocarbons in the coolant is really limited. The leak has to be so bad
> > that you also have a combustion failure. No combustion issues you should
> > have no unburned hydro carbons.
> >
> > Dennis
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> > Of Stuart MacMillan
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 2:03 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Expansion tank under pressure when cold?
> >
> > Bentley says apply 14.5 psi for leak testing (p. 19.17), and cap opens at
> > 13 to 17 psi (p. 19.18).  I use my Motive Products pressure brake
> bleeder,
> > but anything with a gauge will work, just connect a hose to the cap.  Put
> > a
> > large piece of clean cardboard under the engine and look for drips
> > immediately as well as overnight (system should hold pressure for several
> > hours).  If you are smelling coolant, it could be the rubber head gaskets
> > leaking, but that would not lead to a pressurized tank.
> >
> > An emissions sniffer can detect combustion gasses in the cooling system,
> > but for that to work there has to be considerable air space in the
> > pressure
> > tank, and the probe inserted quickly after opening the cap.  Not so easy,
> > and the shop is not going to want to contaminate their probe with
> coolant.
> >
> > Also, it's worth taking the cover off the rear heater and pulling out the
> > core.  I'll bet it's leaking if it's original.
> >
> > You’ve got air in the system, hopefully it's not from combustion gasses.
> >
> > Stuart
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> > Of Michael McSwain
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2016 10:14 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Expansion tank under pressure when cold?
> >
> > ​Any easy way to test for combustion gasses getting into the coolant?
> >
> > Loose or cracked heads would produce a leak or weeping from the head area
> > I assume?
> >
> > Radiator should be easy enough to check for leaks, but heater core not so
> > much.
> >
> > I've tried taking the expansion tank cap off after letting the van sit
> > overnight and it still overflows when removed. Where I park it is
> slightly
> > inclined with the front end up, but not much.  I'll try parking it front
> > down tonight and try removing it again tomorrow morning.
> >
> > Is applying 10 or so psi of pressure to the expansion tank and looking
> for
> > pressure drop and leaks a bad idea?
> >
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 1:01 PM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > > I think it depends on how long you let the engine rest after you shut
> > > it down. There always some residual pressure in the cooling system and
> > > it will come near zero if you wait long enough... I let it sit
> > > overnight. My mechanic revs the engine up to bring the level down, add
> > > the coolant and put on the cap presto..
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > m.
> >
>
>