Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 00:49:47 -0800
Reply-To: Tim High <tskyhigh@JUNO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Tim High <tskyhigh@JUNO.COM>
Subject: preventive hose replacement
Content-Type: text/plain
Here's a little story that will make you think twice about your old
hoses.
I had one of the large engine compartment hoses split while driving up
Donner Summit
(I-80, CA) in September. These were original hoses and showed no signs
that they were ready to blow. My coolant level light came on and I
noticed the big cloud of white smoke billowing from the rear of the van.
I made it to the rest area, let things cool down a bit and patched up the
hose.(soda bottle plastic, plastic bag, and lots of duct tape) I filled
back up with water from my tank and off I went. That day I ordered a full
set of the large hoses. (I had previously replaced the front and rear
heater hoses). I recieved them a couple weeks later. My patch actually
lasted that long but was starting to leak. The night I got them I
replaced the bad hose, but didn't have time to do the others as I had to
leave for San Fran at 4:00 am and it was already dark. I figured I could
do the rest when I got back.
Well on the way back another hose split. This time however, my coolant
level sensor light gave no warning and I missed the cloud billowing out
the back. I have very dark tinted windows, so unless I was looking in the
side mirror at the time, I would not have seen(and obviously didn't).
Believe it or not the temp gauge also behaves quite normal when there is
no coolant in contact with it. Needless to say I had a meltdown. It
finally quit when one head melted around the exhaust valves killing all
compression. The smell of burning aluminum is not one of victory.
So the morale of the story...... old hoses will go at some point, and
when one goes the others will most likely follow, which is why you should
replace all.
I bet the keen observers are wondering about the level sensor. Apparently
water or coolant got under the rubber boot of the plug attached to the
sensor. My guess is either when the first hose blew or when I filled back
up. The water under the boot kept the circuit closed when the second hose
blew, which left me hanging out to dry. (I know, I know that was horrible
pun, I couldn't resist)
So that's just one more thing to check. Make sure the plug is dry after
you add coolant.
Also some other preventive thoughts, anyone driving a van of any age
that has not replaced the fuel injection hoses, should do so asap. If
you wonder why I say that, then search the archives using the key word
fire.
If anyone wants to know how the van is doing now and the repairs I can
tell that tale later, but right now it's bed time.
Tim H.
Lake Tahoe, CA
85 WWW custom camper(Katie Mae)
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