Date:         Wed, 10 Apr 2002 13:35:26 +0200
Reply-To:     Robert Steven Fish <fish@SALZBURG.CO.AT>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Steven Fish <fish@SALZBURG.CO.AT>
Subject:      Re: Help with coolant system
Comments: To: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

snipped--------
I need suggestions on how to remove the small crimped-on clamps on the small
hoses going to and from the coolant rail around the top of the engine
compartment.
end snipped---

You need to cut these clamps off.  A good sharp larger wire cutter works
well.... A few things to watch out for (as I did this exact upgrade 3 weeks
ago):

DO NOT squeeze the clamps as you are attempting to cut them.  Just grab the
raised area, on one side and snip through it.  If you grab the whole raised
area, and try, the pressure of your cutter, will RUIN the fitting.  While
this may not be an issue for the metal fittings as much... I happened to put
a little too much force on the small one at the top of the plastic
distributor box, and guess what... the plastic broke off!

I had to remove that box (total PITA) and then cut the broken inlet fixture
away with my swiss army knife saw, so that I could get a hose back onto it..
install the hose, and then reinstall the box (another PITA).

Good luck, and be certain that you also get good clamps for your replacement
hoses, and do not over tighten them.

RSF

<º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{   <º)))>{

Robert S. Fish
Salzburg, Austria
1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon 2.1 GL Weekender
1987 Golf Cabriolet
1991 Golf