Syncro + Subaru Cooling Issues

[Wildthings]

[mraible]

You are correct, they did not pull the engine. Looking closer at the receipt, there's 117 for the diagnosis (bleeding, pressure check and replacing cap). Replacing the thermostat was 294. It says it required the removal of the subframe.

They also mentioned a couple warnings:

* Upper radiator hose is dangerously close to A/C clutch
* Front crankshaft seal is leaking

I hope to make a run up to Rocky Mountain Westy in the next couple weeks to get these looked at.

Cheers,

Matt

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

This vehicle has a Small Car engine mount and carrier. It is a PITA to do a thermostat. You need to pull the skid plate, carrier bar, engine mount, possibly exhaust parts. Then do the thermostat. Oh yeah, then you have to put it all back together and bleed it out.

$500 is a going rate deal, actually it is probably a touch cheap for a random mechanic that doesn't work on this stuff all the time.

Now those of us with RMW engine carriers, that is a one hour job.
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Rocky Mountain Westy Inc.
www.rockymountainwesty.com
970-310-3441
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The Splitzgauer build (when I have time to work on it and update the thread)

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=497133

[dobryan]

[mraible]

So I drove it around Denver a bit today to run some errands. Less than 10 miles total. After my last stop, the coolant light flashed all the way home (1/2 mile).

I looked at the engine and noticed the cooling tank was empty. When I loosened the cap, there was the familiar air "woosh" and the coolant filled back up to just over halfway.

Of course, the light went off, but I'm wondering if this is a warning sign that things are still a bit out of whack?

[JeffRobenolt]

Something is wrong, you need to stop driving before the motor is junk.

Could be something small or big.

Get it to RMW.
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[flomulgator]

When I had my little rear heater disaster, at one point in that fiasco I had the exact same thing happen: I opened the cap and coolant came rushing in. But it was gone from somewhere else, and I believe it was being pushed the highest point by a bubble of hot, expanding gas lower in the system (the coolant resevoir is the high point). My system was totally eff'ed at that point and I was trying to limp home. You can read about that misadventure here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=577547&highlight=coolant+sos

It seems something is boiling, or something is leaking allowing air into the system, which loves to expand when heated. Do you recall what your temps were doing when you were driving?

Did the shop in Montana use an OEM, genuine Subaru Thermostat? That can be an issue with your engine and the EJ22.

I agree that RMW is the way to go if you want professional diagnosis and repair, and that overheating is a quick road to head gasket failure. Good luck.
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She's built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro!

[mraible]

After yesterday's successful 500-mile, 12 hour journey, I don't feel like it's something major, but you never know.

Is it worth trying to drive it up to RMW (70 miles)? Or better to upgrade my AAA membership and get it towed up?

[flomulgator]

Depends on your engine temps. I'd sure as hell make sure your coolant is full, you have some extra (you have onboard water though) and may consider building a Libby Bong (search the site I'm on phone) before driving up. 13mm wrench or pliers, grill comes off w/ good pull FYI

Watch your temp gauge and pull over if it starts climbing far above the LED.

If you AAA you will require a flatbed for the driveline, be sure to specify. Mines already taken a ride on one!
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[Wildthings]

[pnwkayaker]

[ftp2leta]

First of all the T-stat replacement take a few hours, 2-3 including bleeding the van. Picture bellow show an SVX with SC mount. Follow the big hose on the upper left

Worse case you have to remove the right engine support.

Second, it's NOT the thermostat, that is BS.

Third, if you keep having air and bleeding problem you have air pressure in the cooling system = bad news for you.

On older 2.5L it take 2 minutes to remove the T-stat:

On later 2.5L it's a very close design like the SVX engine

It can still be done pretty easily on a lift.

But again, T-stat RARELY die in the close position. T-stat are design this way.

So you may be looking at a head gasket issue.. and it's a pain on 3.3.

Ben
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[kalispell365]

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

Man, you guys all jump to worst case scenario quick. I am way more of a optimist. My guess in that there is a small coolant leak and the coolant keeps going low by leaking. Than the light flashes. Fix the leak and then the light doesn't flash. The pressure in the coolant system is normal. Every engine has coolant pressure when warm, It is supposed too. Now don't try and go opening your coolant bottle when it is hot to prove me wrong. It will blow up and burn the crap out of you, I have seen it happen, alright so I did it to myself.

Now that is me being optimistic, There is a outside chance you have a head gasket issue. Like Ben said. It is expensive on a SVX, like very expensive. I would say it is very unlikely that is the case although, I have done them before.

Keep me posted if and when you want to drop off the van. You mentioned something about upgrading your AAA? Do it. Every Vanagon owner should always have the best package available. I can't tell you to drive it here or not but you need the best AAA coverage for sure.
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Rocky Mountain Westy Inc.
www.rockymountainwesty.com
970-310-3441
[email protected]

The Splitzgauer build (when I have time to work on it and update the thread)

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=497133

[Escorial Syncro]

Did I miss it, or have they tested for exhaust gas in the coolant? Simple test. I'm with Mike on the optimistic side, but I've dealt with several subies that just gain air, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but it usually ends up as a head gasket. Seems like a few minutes in Mike's shop and a proper diagnosis could be found. Best of luck, hate to hear of syncro relationships that start out this way. ($$$$$)
Joel
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Joel Lane
1985 Vanagon converted to syncro, ALH TDI, Reimo Primus top with Westy interior
2002 Toyota Tundra 4x4
1974 Honda CL360 Scrambler (for sale!)

[kalispell365]

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

[flomulgator]

Question for my own edification:
I've heard of head gasket issues being worse on a particular series of EJ25 engines. Are the gaskets relatively more robust on the older EG33 / EJ22 head desgin?
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[insyncro]

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[Jake de Villiers]