Rich;
I purchased a kit from NAPA to test for exhaust gases in the coolant. It was about $30 but can be re-used many times. This was after I got tired
of taking the bus to the local garage . He (the mechanic) would use his
exhaust analyzer to "sniff" the coolant expansion tank for HC(always for
free). The presences of hydro-carbons the would mean a "head seal" leak.
As it turned out my symptoms, which were almost identical to yours, were
caused by a radiator in need of cleaning out.
Good Luck
Ken Lewis
kdlewis@juno.com
86 VW crewcab
85 VW Vanagon GL
60 356 coupe

On Sun, 10 Nov 1996 19:28:58 -0600 Richard Fischer <hiker1@fuse.net>
writes:

>What's the chances of the heads just needing re-torquing? Is this 
>common at 102,000 
>miles? Also, how about different types of stop-leak? Anyone have any 
>experience with 
>thems stopping VW Camper head-gasket leaks? If so which type? I've 
>seen metallic aluminum 
>(dry) types, liquid types, etc. Since the type of anti-freeze you use 
>is so important to 
>these aluminum head engines, I'd think the wrong type of stop-leak 
>could also damage the 
>heads?
>
>Rich Fischer
>
>