I would say "yes", an internal leak can come in many phases. However, if
it's a visible leak from the exhaust, that's quite an internal leak.
However, that's exactly what it sounds like to me. It's generally not "That"
hard a fix. If it's in the worse case, you may need different (But not
necessarily 'new' heads).

-Craig
'87 SUNROOF Syncro
'85 GL turned Westy
Bostig in the back

On Mon, Feb 7, 2011 at 11:26 PM, David White <sirgrumpsalot@gmail.com>wrote:

> I've got an 84 vanagon with a 1.9L engine with unknown hours of run
> time. I just returned from a 400 mile trip and in those miles I never
> stopped to look at the engine because things sounded fine. The temp
> gauge works and it never gave me any indication things were getting
> bad. Sitting in the driveway overnight it is now leaking coolant from
> the driver's side through the tin that protects the pushrods. The
> water pump and thermostat areas are bone dry. When I start the engine
> coolant drips out the rear exhaust port (closest to the muffler)
> immediately, but I haven't run the engine to temp. I am waiting in
> line to borrow a leak down tester at the local auto parts store.  My
> question is: can I have a bad head gasket without any symptoms (such
> as overheating, white smoke, loss of power)? Am I just not noticing
> the symptoms?
>