Tony,

   You can try resealing the nut, BUT- I have seen more than one cylinder
head actually develop a hairline crack exactly around the area where the nut
seats. Hope that's not the case with yours, but it is a likely scenario, and
would require replacement of the cyl. head. I always use the VW-specified
yellow paste sealant in that area. Your local dealer (the service dept.)
might offer you a small dab from their tube of it, my dealer did that once
when I was in need of just a little amount. If after resealing the nut it
still leaks..........

Karl M

----- Original Message -----
From: Anthony L. Mourkas <mourkas@TELPLUS.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, October 30, 1999 1:01 AM
Subject: Coolant Leak at Cylinder Head Cap Nut

> On my 87 Syncro I appear to have a coolant leak at the #7 cylinder head
> cap nut, rearmost right side under the power steering pump bracket.  Can
> this be corrected by draining coolant, removing nut, inspecting and
> cleaning nut/head/stud, applying new sealant, and reinstalling nut to
> proper torque spec?
>
> I have reviewed the various pages with Mr. Bentley, but any further
> counsel on this situation would be appreciated.  Other questions:
>
> 1.  Where to purchase sealant specified in Bentley?  Dealer?  Alternative?
> 2.  Would it be wise to purchase a new nut?
> 3.  Is it prudent to repair this one nut without touching the rest of the
> head, which does not appear to be leaking?
>
> Thanks for any asssitance.  I sure am learning by doing this
> Fall..............
>
> Tony
>
> Anthony L. Mourkas
> Hampden, Maine, USA
> 1984 Vanagon Westfalia - almost time for Winter hibernation  :-(
> 1987 Vanagon GL Syncro - wasserleaker  :-(
> 1991 Jetta Eco Diesel - just keeps truckin along  :-)