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Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:33 pm

I have a small coolant leak which is comming from the O-ring where the temperature sensor attaches to the thermostat housing on my '86 Westy with the metal clip. Is it possible to replace the O-ring without draining the coolant? It's only leaving about a quarter size spot after a week of sitting in the garage.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:44 pm

Any time you open the coolant system you should bleed it. Since it is at the thermostat, you may get by by just bleeding via the bleed screw on the top of the thermostat housing only. Just depends on how much coolant comes out when you replace the o-ring. You shouldn't have to drain the whole system for this. Clamp off the hoses if possible to limit coolant lose. Pull the temp sensor being sure to have a large bucket underneath to catch the run out.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:57 pm

I wouldn't bother bleeding afterwards, not unless you lose gallons of coolant. But you can do this job and only lose a splash of coolant.

The small amount of air allowed into the system will probably just end up in the rail that runs around the top of the engine compartment, and will be self-bled into the coolant bottles in the back while you drive (so check coolant levels after your first couple of drives).

I would suggest that you just pull out the sensor and o-ring and stuff a rag or something in the hole to stop the coolant leak while you put your new o-ring on the sensor. Then put the sensor back in and reinstall the clip. Sure you'll lose some coolant onto the pavement, whoops! I mean, into the bucket you've placed under the t-stat housing to collect coolant for proper environmentally friendly recycling, of course.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:41 pm

I could be wrong on this but I was told in that system where coolant can come out air can come in. So it may already need bled.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:15 pm

funagon wrote: I. But you can do this job and only lose a splash of coolant.

It's possible, unless the O-Ring from the old one is stuck in there and you notice it after trying to get the new one in. Then when you fish the old o-ring out with your fingernail, the coolant is pouring down your arm - LOL! Ask me how I know.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:26 pm

Love My Westy wrote: I have a small coolant leak which is comming from the O-ring where the temperature sensor attaches to the thermostat housing on my '86 Westy with the metal clip. Is it possible to replace the O-ring without draining the coolant? It's only leaving about a quarter size spot after a week of sitting in the garage.

Funagon is right all the way.

Vanagon don't need bleeding if you don't open / touch the radiator / bleed screw. So in your case, you don't need bleeding. Like someone else as stated, the old o-ring may be stuck there so what to do!!! put a new o-ring on the sender or not! Well, the answer is get ready for a coolant shower :-)

No way out. I did that job so many time that i can't count. I would say that at 75% the old o-ring will stay in the T-housing so don't put the new on on it. Use some "The Right Stuff" all around the new sender and push this one in.

If the old ring come with the old sender.... ha ha ha

Did i say change the sender wile your there.

Again, Vanagon don't need ANY bleeding in such a small job. That is urban legend.

Ben

Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:26 am

Yup, what Ben said. Replace the sensor while you are there. Last time I did this, I had the new sensor with the new o-ring on it, ready to push in. I quickly removed the old one, fished the old o-ring out, and quickly inserted the new one. You will lose a splash of coolant, which will mostly run down your arm (if you are below). I've also done this from above, which is a little more challenging, but doable w/ skinny wrists.

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_665_749/coolant_temp._sensor_w_o_ring.html

Sun Nov 23, 2008 6:28 pm

I just noticed that mine is dripping too. It just got below 32 here in the Northeast... shrunken seal time, but at least my head gaskets aren't leaking like last winter (just had them done over the summer)

I replaced the Temp II with a new O-ring about a year ago (give or take, my notebook of repairs etc is in the van a block away, and I'm at home)

Guess I'll try to get the o-ring at the FLAPS or try to pass by a dealer, and just replace that.

here's the part number I found in case anyone else needs it:

http://tinyurl.com/5lubqu