Date:         Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:37:16 -0400
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Fwd: Coolant hose: T-stat to Coolant Distributor Tower
In-Reply-To:  <CAMOH8LJKjV=QQ4P3ZKwSTEOOrKG7sLFzSOpjXB4-Y=gNHMZPSA@mail.gmail.com>
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net>
Date: Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 2:28 PM
Subject: Re: Coolant hose: T-stat to Coolant Distributor Tower
To: Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com>
Cc: vanagonlist a <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>




On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 1:12 PM Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com>
wrote:

> Found a coolant leak in the hose that connects the T-stat to the
> Distributor Tower.
>
> https://www.gowesty.com/product/hoses/18816/coolant-hose-thermostat-housing-to-distribution-tower-?v=
>
> Looks like it might be a bit tricky to make the connection to the
> distributor tower.  Is that the case?  Any tips?
>

I don't recall there being any particular difficulty.  You'll need a set of
hose clamp pliers intended for flat band spring clamps to work with the
factory clamps.  Some people like the cable operated type, but I prefer the
pliers type and have been able to reach everything I've needed to so far.

Some people also replace the factory clamps with the screw type.  This is a
poor idea as the factory ones are self-compensating for rubber shrinkage
etc.

>
> The leak is suspiciously close to where work was done to replace my oil
> leak last month.  Did the leak happen because the hose is old and couldn't
> handle being bumped and pushed around?
>

Possibly but much more likely it was simply its time.

>
> Am I going to hasten many other leaks by fixing this one?
>

The likeliest problem would be having the coolant tower break -- if it's an
original it's well past the time of anticipated failure.


>
> Would rescue tape work for a few years and prevent me from causing new
> problems in the immediate future?
>

It could, depending on where the leak is.  But it's difficult to apply
properly without good access and a clean dry hose.  Beside the road, sure.
At home, makes much more sense to replace the hose.


> All I need at present is one hose ($14.95).  Should I change all of the
> coolant system ($944, if I am not mistaken)?  If I don't change all of the
> system, what would be the smartest items to replace?
>

Depends how old they are.  If they're from '86, any or all, and any plastic
cooling parts (distributor housing, nipple on right head to the bleed
manifold that runs around the hatch, tower, bleed manifold unless it's
metal) are past due for replacement.

Aside from shipping costs, the more you replace at one time, the fewer
times you have to drain and refill the system.  Depends whether time/money
or peace of mind are more important to you in the moment.

I had four coolant leaks in three months when I put my present '89 on the
road.  I took the hint.

Yrs,
d


>
> Weak in the knees,
> Gabby
> 1986 WBX Westy
>