The best way to check for leaks is to take off the protector/cover and
visually inspect the gaskets under the motor.  if they appear to be dry
and cracking in an area then chances are that it would be wise to
replace them.

Please heed my advise, at least check them closely becasue my family and
i were stuck in Red Deer Alberta for three solid days, wondering
worrying and waiting to go home.  They even had a dealorship there but
did they have the parts I needed in stock?  Hell No!!!  I could go on
about what a Bummer it was but I didn't heed the mechanics advise about
this problem so I suffered.  I didn't know enought about the Chronic
problem that does indeed exist and so I thought he eas just taking me to
the cleaners to make his boat payment that month.  Was I wrong.

Never mind the mileage.  But take a good look under the Van by pulling
off the cover and manuelly and visually checking it out.

I Know that the $2000 repair job can be very hard to swallow.  But it's
one of those "pay me now or pay me later" type deals.  The important
question is where do you want to deal with it.  You now have the
authority to decide...

> ----------
> From:         Dane Tessler[SMTP:dane714@WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
> Reply To:     Dane Tessler
> Sent:         Thursday, April 09, 1998 1:41 AM
> To:   Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Re: Long road trip risk- coolant leaks
>
> It's gonna happen sooner or later.....just go and deal with whatever
> comes...otherwise you can worry yourself into never going anywhere!
> Owning
> a Vanagon is a shot in the dark!
>
> Best of luck..
>
> Dane Tessler
> 87 Westfalia 138K
> Treasure Island, FL
> http://members.aol.com/Dane714/westfalia.html
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kevin Sullivan <ksull@WAVE.MBARI.ORG>
> To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
> Date: Wednesday, April 08, 1998 5:26 PM
> Subject: Long road trip risk- coolant leaks
>
>
> I'm planning to do a 4000 mile r/t road trip the middle of next
> month (CA to MN and back) and was wondering if I should
> be genuinely concerned about the potential of the infamous
> head leak problem.
>
> Our '87 westy syncro currently has 84k miles and has never
> displayed any signs of coolant leaks or evaporation. I've replaced
> the fluid every year with a 'no phos-phate'  coolant and distilled
> water.  Am I taking a gamble or is it just a shot in the dark?
>
> Is there anything else I should inspect as well?
>
> Thanks,   Kevin Sullivan
>