I would just like to add that I too have used Alumaseal, with very good
results. I would also like to add that I concure that it is not a true
solution, but it will work and work well, for a couple of years, in my case.

Ron Semko
1984 Vangon with 200, 000 plus miles

Michael A. Radtke wrote:

> Peter,
>
> You have received good advice to do the repair.
>
> However, when my Vanagon's head started leaking and I researched the issue,
> what I found was that the most likely time for the leak to show up was with
> a cold engine in winter.  Granted, once leaking, the cooling system
> wouldn't necessarily re-fill from the coolant overflow tank, and air could
> enter the system causing worrisome or even expensive problems if the
> temperature gauge wasn't watched carefully.
>
> Since, the leak wasn't likely to begin while driving down the highway, I
> reasoned that if I could fix it with a radiator sealer, I wouldn't be
> putting the engine at risk.  After reading all the bottles, I decided on
> "AlumaSeal" since I figured all the powdered aluminum might be sacrificial
> and dissolve instead of the cylinder heads continuing to erode.  It quickly
> fixed the leak.
>
> I am fully aware that it isn't a permanent cure, and I have had to add
>  another container of "AlumaSeal" every winter (not this year yet though)
> for the last 3 years, but I've gone 40,000 more miles without removing the
> heads.  As predicted, the first sign of the return of the leak has always
> been a few drips under the Vanagon after a cold night.  I immediately
> respond with more "AlumaSeal."  I think that if you check the archives,
> others have had success with "Bars Leak" as well.
>
> Just another point of view,
>
> Mike     '84 GL   '58 Isetta