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fujack19 Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2017 Posts: 26
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 12:16 pm Post subject: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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I have had my 1987 Vanagon Camper for 3 weeks now, and have been noticing a small puddle on the drive way about the size of a silver dollar after I start the van. I can see where the drops are coming from, but I cant see much after that. Has anyone had drops coming from here, and if so what could be the cause? I had the coolant flushed when I bought it, and the mechanic said everything was good. Is it normal to just have to keep an eye, and refill every so often? Thank you.
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IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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It's either the port side water jacket seal, the pipe that runs from the water pump tot he thermostat housing, or one of the hoses around the oil cooler. |
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SCM Samba Member

Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 3449 Location: Bozeman MT
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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No one here can do anything more than guess. You need to get a good flashlight and spend some time searching. Start up top and look at every single part of the coolant system until you find the leak.
I think the oil cooler would be too far forward for the coolant to be dripping from behind your engine mount bar. It may be as simple as the expansion tank or any of the connections going to it. _________________ '91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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Steve M. Samba Member

Joined: July 30, 2013 Posts: 6933 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 2:23 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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Double check the small hose running from the coolant tank down to the expansion tank. People sometimes leave the clamps loose to remove the blue cap and it can leak from there.
As been said we're just guessing! _________________ This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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fujack19 Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2017 Posts: 26
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 3:45 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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I appreciate the guesses because that all I can do, but with less knowledge! I will take a look in more detail to find the source. A lose connection may be the culprit with such a little amount dripping. My headlights went out on me last night to so now I have to get to the bottom of that. Haha! I guess that is what I signed up for.  |
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Robw_z Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2007 Posts: 995
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 4:38 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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It appears to be dripping from the heat shield, which I would consider good news as that's probably not coming from the engine. The expansion tank is mounted atop that shield, so I'd suspect the tank itself, a bad pressure cap, or one of the hoses running to it.
-Rob |
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fujack19 Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2017 Posts: 26
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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I'm a real novice, and I am in the process of going through the manual, but is the expansion tank to the left of the tank you can see when you take the license plate down? Also, since I have the post up, I have a small transmission leak, and I checked the level and it was at the 2nd dot down on the stick. Is that still good? Sorry, just trying to figure this beast out. |
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bluebus86 Banned
Joined: September 02, 2010 Posts: 11075
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 6:38 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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Robw_z wrote: |
It appears to be dripping from the heat shield, which I would consider good news as that's probably not coming from the engine. The expansion tank is mounted atop that shield, so I'd suspect the tank itself, a bad pressure cap, or one of the hoses running to it.
-Rob |
either tank could have failed, as could hoses on tanks, also drip area is near the water pump, and its associated hoses, and oil cooler. time to open engine lid and give it a good once over, wipe with white paper towels in areas you can not see directly to detect coolant. you may need to clean engine fisrt, and allow to dry, then run her a bit in place to be warmed up, and then nkte for any new coolant on the motor.
that may pin point it for you.
good luck, and may your leak be simply a loose hose clamp. _________________ Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information
Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022 |
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Steve M. Samba Member

Joined: July 30, 2013 Posts: 6933 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 7:57 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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fujack19 wrote: |
is the expansion tank to the left of the tank you can see when you take the license plate down? |
I had to edit the names...again!
The tank you see when you open the license plate door is the "Refill" tank. The "Expansion" tank is the other one to the left of this tank. This is per VW's terminology.
The RED blinking light you see on the temp gauge when you first start up is the self diagnostic of the level sensor next to the blue cap on the Coolant "Expansion" Tank.
Basically the sensor is just two metal probes extending down into the antifreeze.
When the level is correct electricity passes through the antifreeze from one probe to the other. If the coolant is too low and the probes are not submerged the electricity cannot pass and the red light keeps blinking. _________________ This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.
Last edited by Steve M. on Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:33 am; edited 1 time in total |
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WillSharp Samba Member

Joined: November 02, 2016 Posts: 199 Location: US 80424
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 8:12 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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I would guess the housing around the thermostat going into the water pump. I had a similar leek for a while. Fixing it with a subaru engine. |
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Syncronoid Samba Member

Joined: January 21, 2012 Posts: 1120 Location: Stanford, CA and Bend, OR
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Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 10:23 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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I had a similar leak in the far back of the engine. Expansion tank had cracked and was leaking. Easy fix. Hope you're as fortunate. _________________ '90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L |
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Wildthings Samba Member

Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 52605
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 2:15 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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What VW calls the expansion tank is the pressurized tank to the far left when you open the lid over the engine. The tank is susceptible to splitting from age and pressure and the top of the coolant level probe can break off. The replacement plastic tanks are of poor quality material and may cause you grief if you go with them so should be avoided. Instead there are metal aftermarket tanks available through many vendors which are a step up from the OEM design and let you use a more common and less troublesome pressure cap design.
The refill/overflow tank is the one behind the license plate. |
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Steve M. Samba Member

Joined: July 30, 2013 Posts: 6933 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:29 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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Wildthings wrote: |
What VW calls the expansion tank is the pressurized tank to the far left when you open the lid over the engine. The tank is susceptible to splitting from age and pressure and the top of the coolant level probe can break off. The replacement plastic tanks are of poor quality material and may cause you grief if you go with them so should be avoided. Instead there are metal aftermarket tanks available through many vendors which are a step up from the OEM design and let you use a more common and less troublesome pressure cap design.
The refill/overflow tank is the one behind the license plate. |
Wildthings is correct.
This is the correct VW terminology for the tanks per the manuals. I keep getting the names wrong because I see them differently. _________________ This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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r39o Samba Polizei

Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 10:48 am Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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fujack19 wrote: |
I'm a real novice....... |
We all have to start gaining knowledge and experience about anything we need to know about.
Your BEST friend is the flash light for this!
As others have stated, you need to use your eye tool along with the flash light tool and LOOK first.
That camera you used can also be a valuable tool by taking plenty of picture in places you can not see well into.
There are LOTS of places it can be leaking from.
As above we can only guess. You on the other hand are our remote eyes and as such you have to use them to see the things we can not.
If you have not done so, now is a GREAT time to do a few things.
Change the oil and while it is up in the air use the above tools to look around.
Second is to seek out (via the FAQ) about leaky fuel lines which can send your new van up in smoke fast! Find the new owner stuff in the FAQ which is at the top of the forum threads.
Good luck! _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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fujack19 Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2017 Posts: 26
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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OK, I followed the flow, and found it was dripping from a hose connected to the expansion tank. It seems to be just a slow dripping leak so do you think it is just the connection? Maybe a new clamp?
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fujack19 Samba Member
Joined: March 23, 2017 Posts: 26
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 1:02 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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Quote: |
Change the oil and while it is up in the air use the above tools to look around.
Second is to seek out (via the FAQ) about leaky fuel lines which can send your new van up in smoke fast! Find the new owner stuff in the FAQ which is at the top of the forum threads. |
The first thing I did was get the oil changed, and the coolant flushed. Even though the PO said he had it done recently I like to make sure I know.
Luckily for me, and the van, the owner before the person I bought it from was very meticulous on having receipts, and listed itemized repairs that have been done. So I know that the fuel lines had been changed luckily. It was a concern for me after reading a few posts on the fantastic website!  |
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danfromsyr Samba Member

Joined: March 01, 2004 Posts: 15406 Location: Syracuse, NY
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 1:13 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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you (as the new owner and solo person on the hook) should duley inspect the bulk head fuel line.
a few items there aren't always changed in a 'full fuel line R&R'
the nylon bulkhead fitting should be replaced with a more durable material,
the short length of rubber line on the back side of the bulkhead fitting that secures to the nylon supply line.. I've seen these so old that the oe pinch clamps are rusted thru.
do not take the word of receipts or previous owners.. it's your van now and 5 mins to verify will save you alot of potential grief.
good luck.
fujack19 wrote: |
Quote: |
Change the oil and while it is up in the air use the above tools to look around.
Second is to seek out (via the FAQ) about leaky fuel lines which can send your new van up in smoke fast! Find the new owner stuff in the FAQ which is at the top of the forum threads. |
The first thing I did was get the oil changed, and the coolant flushed. Even though the PO said he had it done recently I like to make sure I know.
Luckily for me, and the van, the owner before the person I bought it from was very meticulous on having receipts, and listed itemized repairs that have been done. So I know that the fuel lines had been changed luckily. It was a concern for me after reading a few posts on the fantastic website!  |
_________________
Abscate wrote: |
These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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r39o Samba Polizei

Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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Yes, do replace the bulk head fuel fitting. There are options. Easiest is just a new long hose and skip the fitting....
As for your leak, if it was me, I would opt for a new tank and replace any soft hoses. Use nice stainless band clamps that do not bite the hose too.
Using a new stainless band clamp may do it, but those tanks have a limited lifespan.
The FAQ should tell you all of the above in far more detail too. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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Wildthings Samba Member

Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 52605
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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One of the problems with these rigs is that the pressure cap can fail and not release pressure when it should, this will cause leaks to occur all over the place and bust things like the expansion tank, the coolant manifold and is likely a factor in the ends of the coolant pipes coming off.
If the expansion/pressure tank is in need of replacement, then by all means fork over the money for a metal tank.
You also should verify what kind of fuel hose was used when the hose was replaced. There are lots of shops out there that have yet to learn that the old standard fuel hoses, 30r6 and 30r7, should not be used with either FI or alcohol laced fuel. |
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r39o Samba Polizei

Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant Leak (With Pics) |
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Wildthings wrote: |
One of the problems with these rigs is that the pressure cap can fail and not release pressure when it should, this will cause leaks to occur all over the place and bust things like the expansion tank, the coolant manifold and is likely a factor in the ends of the coolant pipes coming off. |
Many of the replacement caps are CRAP! Test your old one first. You will need a coolant system pressure tester with the right adapter. Most peeps do not have one of these instruments. Get friendly with a shop.
Wildthings wrote: |
If the expansion/pressure tank is in need of replacement, then by all means fork over the money for a metal tank. |
GREAT IDEA! As time goes on you will likey thank yourself for that one....
Wildthings wrote: |
You also should verify what kind of fuel hose was used when the hose was replaced. There are lots of shops out there that have yet to learn that the old standard fuel hoses, 30r6 and 30r7, should not be used with either FI or alcohol laced fuel. |
Right on the mark here too. One telltale is too look at the ends of the hoses. If cracked, even it new, replace. The new fuels and FI pressure conspire to create issues if the wrong hose is used.
If you get a fuel leak, it can ruin your whole day if you have a fire! _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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