Date:         Sun, 10 Jun 2001 20:57:33 -0700
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      Plastic cooling pipes damaged...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello list.

This relates to my '87 camper. Today when I removed my old radiator to
replace it, I noticed that on one of the plastic coolant pipes that run
from front to back, the plastic ridge that secures the hose had broken
away from the pipe and had moved with the metal reinforcement sleeve out
of the end about 3/4". This is identical to what has happened at the
other end of this pipe. It looks like someone had added a second hose
clamp to address a possible leak here. Apparently, the plastic becomes
brittle and fails at the ends due to the metal sleeve constantly heating
(an assumption).

Has anyone with similar damage been successful at leaving these plastic
pipes "as is" and operating without problems? The van has been running
with this damage for sometime, so I'm not sure it's a life or death
problem.

And, if I attempt to fix it myself, can I use CPVC pipe from the
hardware store for this, or is there a "preferred" plastic I should look
for? I understand CPVC is rated for 100psi @ 180 degrees, which I should
think exceeds the requirements of the vanagon's cooling system.

I realize the "correct" solution is to replace this pipe, either with a
new one from VW (pricey) or with a fabricated one made from plastic
pipe. Alternatively, I can probably fabricate new "ends" and attach them
to the main pipe with 1-1/4" straight hose. However, I have an upcoming
camping event (courtesy of Phaedra) at which I would like to use my van,
so I'd like to let this go until I can work out a permanent fix.

Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance!

Dan
'87 Westfalia
(will again be on the road after radiator, CV boots, new calipers and
wheel cylinders, or I will be sleeping in a tent!)