Dear Nate,

Thanks for the reminder to change the heater hoses and the heater water valve. I should have known that, as I had just read about Matt, the fellow driving across the country in his '89 245 and writing about it for The New York Times. Leaky heater hoses slowed him down a bit.

The two coolant hoses down by the oil filter: You mean the oil lines for the turbo, right? Good idea you have to change those, too.

Thanks for mentioning the intake manifold gasket. I'll look into that.

You also ask if I'm sure it's the radiator: the dealer service department found the slow leak in the radiator in April, while doing something else. Shortly before that service, I had added a liter or two of coolant. I haven't lost much coolant since then, and I'm wondering why that would be. So, no, I'm not 100% positive that it is (or was) the radiator.

Sorry to get back to you so late, as I was kidnapped by my wife for a weekend at the family farm for Jaanipäev (the summer solstice.) Then, we had a week in Finland, where the car performed like a champion in a two-hour race to catch the ferry back. Then, some unexpected music gigs came my way. I have a little time now to take care of things while the weather here is nice.

Thanks for taking the time to help me. I do appreciate it.

--George, Tallinn, Estonia