OK Vanagon Volks... I affected repairs to the fuel rail caps by making my own rendition of a v-band clamp normally used to hold larger flanges together. After making the repairs, I checked things over one more time, held my breath, turned the ignition key, and vvvrrroooom!!! It started right up! I backed it out of the woods and onto the the driveway where it would be easier to inspect the undercarriage for leaks. No leaks. Took it for a four-mile spin to test its road-worthiness (this during a sleet/freezing-rain storm) all systems looked good - and the heat works!. After parking and idling it for another few minutes, I shut her down. What's that hissing sound? Looking underneath the van I found two 1-1/2" metal pipes running from coolant hoses in the engine compartment forward to the radiator. The high spot of one of the pipes just behind the engine compartment had rusted through the top. I'm wondering if the mechanic that diagnosed the coolant leak on the cylinder head didn't mistake this leak for that one...good news for me if that's the case! It is my intention, at this time, to buy a chunk of radiator hose the same size as the tube, cut out the bad section & band clamp the rubber hose in place. Is this an accepted repair? Can I leave it that way or should I weld a new section in? Is this a dealer replacement part only or can I buy it through third-party sources? And lastly, what is the technical term for the steel pipes running the length of the van? I noticed that there are two rubber hoses running the length with them which I assume go to the heater core. Another question...how do you get to the bleed screw on top of the radiator in order to bleed the air out of the system? I can't see any way to get my hand, let alone a tool up in there. Also, is it located on the drivers side, or the passengers? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I would like to drive her the 60 miles home on Sunday. Michael
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