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!) |
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