Sometimes the problems associated with maintaining the cooling systems in
Vanagons seem to be a great burden.  Read the following and see the problem
is not ours alone. The following article was in Transport Topics, August
16.1999:
Cummins Claims Coolant Damages Seals, Engines
Suppliers Help to find Solution
by Dan Lang
Staff Reporter
  Cummins Engine Co. says a brand of extended-life coolant is causing
problems for it's engines, and has formed a task force with the suppliers of
the coolant to seek "long and short term solutions."
  The engine manufacturer is working with Texaco and Equilon Lubricants to
provide customers with means to prevent problems that have been associated
with Texaco Extended Life Coolant.
  Sources at Cummins said the coolant, when used to fill engines at the
factory, has been found to affect the silicone gaskets and cause leakage and
engine failure.
  The coolant is of a type known as organic acid.  Cummins sources said they
became aware of the problem when they noticed "jellification" of new oil,
which indicates that the oil is being contaminated with coolant.
  Detroit Diesel, which markets the same coolant under the name Power Cool
Plus, says the product is safe for its engines.
  John Ruck, director of parts management at Detroit Diesel, said the lack of
silicates in the coolant apparently causes the gasket problem. He said
Detroit Diesel does not use silicone gaskets.
  In a letter to Cummins customers, Texaco and Equilon supported the engine
maker's position that its engines should be factory filled with "conventional
coolant technology."
  For Cummins engines already containing Texaco Extended Life Coolant, the
task force has recommended the addition of concentrated silicates or the
installation of a coolant filter containing silicates.
  Concentrated silicates will be available free from Equilon in early
September, along with instructions for their use.  The letter cautioned that
"over treatment of silicates in the cooling system can be damaging to other
components."
  Equilon was said to be working with manufacturers to supply coolant filters
that contain silicates.

Rico Dagastino
Munford, TN