Date:         Mon, 12 Aug 2002 03:21:59 -0700
Reply-To:     TinkerMan <tinkerman007@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         TinkerMan <tinkerman007@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: ## changing 1990 2.1L waterleaker oil cooler hoses in situ
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello again,

Thanks to all who responded to my post (and especially
Ben huot who offered an amazing site with in-depth
pictures of how to do the job, very useful for those
who never done it before an can learn what to expect).

http://www3.sympatico.ca/huotx/water_pump.htm

Still, I haven't really gotten an answer to my
specific situation, because everybody recommends
dismantling this or that (water pump, oil cooler, oil
cooler seal, all the rubber hoses or metal tubes, big
coolant tube from water pump etc.) because it makes
the job easier or is a good countermeasure for future
failures.
Although I agree with these suggestions, I would like
to leave the overhaul to a future date when necessary,
possibly when doing other major operations in the
area.
Right now, I want to just fix my specific problem
(1/2" slit in hose from oil cooler to tube from
thermostat) quickly and cheaply.
My water pump, oil cooler and seal (and motor...) have
been replaced (new VW parts) about 5 years, 60,000Km
ago but I have been using just OEM (Autobahn G11)
coolant as a safety measure and they don't seem to
leak at all. Maybe the oil cooler hoses weren't
replaced then (stupid if that's so. I didn't know much
then and relied on my dealer's garage).

I estimate changing all the hoses, coolant at the
garage would cost me about $200, while a single hose
would cost me just $10 if I can wrangle it in (with
the relevant pride of DIY to boot...).

So here are my specific questions, I'd appreciate
comments from those who have actually done it and can
share their experience:

1. Has anyone managed to replace any of the small,
right-angle hoses from the oil cooler WITHOUT removing
ANYTHING, either from above or from below, without a
lift (only one respondent said he did it
successfully).

2. If #1 above isn't possible, can it be done by
removing the oil filter for improved access (without
draing the oil)? A method must be devised to stop
engine oil from leaking (e.g. by temporarily plugging
the filter port openings with a sealing disk and cap
or some sticky stuff).
Again, anyone done it from above or below, without a
lift?

3. People have been talking about replacing the oil
cooler -> thermostat hoses and metal tube with a
single simple 5/8" hose. I wonder if anyone has
actually done it, how easy it is and how reliable
(because that hose will pass near some HOT items such
as the head and the exhaust tubes, or would have to be
bent (like the original right-angle one) possibly
restricting coolant flow and endangering the motor due
to oil temperature rise.
Personally, after taking a look in the motor
compartment, I don't think it's a good idea but maybe
someone has good (long-term) experience with this
(cheap) solution.

I'm open to all good ideas...
Until now, I've been reparing with my fingertips
(typing...) but once I start the real work I want it
to be straightforward and with no surprises or
catastrophes...


=====
Cheers, T-man.

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