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Subject:Re: Help with coolant leak
From:Jim Preysz
Date:Sun, 23 Aug 2020 14:00:04 -0500

Hi again,

Thanks to those that responded to this.�  Here is an update:�  I used the
dye which basically eliminated some ambiguity and confirmed that it was
coming from the water pump area.�  I still couldn't see the exact source
so I took off the pump belt by pulling the plates.�  Surprisingly,
probably from releasing tension on belt, it started dripping again, more
of a slow stream.�  I was now able to get my largish mirror under the
pump and witnessed the crime.�  It was coming out a little hole in the
pump cover.�  Question: does this point to the seal?�  I assume the little
hole is by design as it looks regular and not a crack.�  If so, what's
that for?

Also, while fooling around with the above I noticed the the engine
ground braid had broken off.�  While trying to unscrew the bolt on side
bay I, of course, stripped the bolt head off.�  Would it be better to
drill it out or just move it and "tap" another part of the bay?

Again any comments appreciated and thanks everyone,

Jim

I then was able to get my mirror under it to see that

On 7/20/2020 1:07 PM, Jim Preysz wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I haven't posted much but I do read the emails.�  Also, disclaimer, I'm
> not an Vanagon expert though have done some simple wrenching things.�
> That said, I have an 89 2.1L tintop (Wolfsburg Blue Star) with a
> robust coolant leak.
>
> I had the dreaded red light and pulled over and let it cool down. I
> wasn't far from home so I restarted it and finished the drive. When I
> got home I saw it profusely leaking coolant.�  I opened the engine
> cover and looked for obvious culprits (and from underneath).�  It seems
> to be on drivers side of engine as it seems to be running down from
> above the oil cooler.�  The hoses to oil cooler look ok and so do both
> coolant reservoirs.�  The head interface looks reasonably good. I
> cleaned the engine a bit but still no smoking gun.�  I plan on pressure
> testing and I also borrowed a dye light.�  So those are my next steps.
>
> I put a pan underneath the engine to catch the dripping and to my
> surprise it continues to drip daily, even when just sitting there.�  So
> my question to anyone is what would likely case that?
>
> I'm really hoping this isn't going to be something major.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jim
>

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