Date:         Thu, 21 Mar 2002 17:29:33 EST
Reply-To:     Dagbear@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Dagastino <Dagbear@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Coolant hoses?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

  I was faced with replacing the coolant hoses in the engine compartment of
an 84 Vanagon.  Also, the unit containing the bleed valve had failed.  I
decided to improve on the placement of the hoses by building a manifold out
of pipe to fit in the space above the transmission and final drive.  From the
connections on the engine, the hoses run close to the left side of the engine
compartment.  Hoses with ninety degree bends keep the hoses close to the left
wall.  I cut about four inches of the front firewall out to make a passage
for the hoses to cross to the area above the transmission. In the manifold
are connections for the transmission cooler.  Also, two other connections on
the supply and return pipes serve to bleed the air from this loop in the
system.  These hoses have flow restrictors in them and allow air to pass
while considerably slowing the flow of coolant. These vent hoses join and
pass to the connection on the heater cross pipe on top of the engine.  I cut
about a foot and a half off of the pipes which go to the front to allow a
smooth transition from the coolant manifold to those pipes.
   This arrangement moves most of the coolant hoses out of the engine
compartment and allows for better ventilation and cooling and a much neater
looking engine compartment.  Also the expense was much less than replacing
the hoses with other stock hoses.  The hoses I used are common flex hoses
easily available at any parts house.  I spent about sixty dollars for
complete replacement of the hoses, etc., from the engine to the pipes leading
to the front.

    I think when VW decided to build the waterboxer the hose arrangement they
settled on represented a compromise between the demands for ease of assembly
and the need to retrofit the waterboxer into an existing engine compartment
arrangement. The hoses can be attached to the engine and transmission
assembly and need only be attached to the coolant pipes leading to the front
when they are mated with the chassis.  This arrangement and the need for a
bleed valve made placing the hoses in the engine compartment the easiest
solution.

Rico Dagastino
Munford, TN