Date:         Fri, 18 Jul 2003 10:20:47 -0500
Reply-To:     boroko <marokus@VOYAGER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         boroko <marokus@VOYAGER.NET>
Subject:      Coolant "T" supprise
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

HI all,

I just had an interesting experience.  I needed the plastic coolant "T" that is on the firewall behind the AFM.  It is a common failure item and combines the head coolant hoses to the main runs going to the radiator and has taps for the rear heater.  pn 251 121 442A. 

After checking my favorite list suppliers and finding out that they had to order it from the dealer, I decided to try from the dealer myself and avoid the wait if the cost wasn't too much higher. 

I work with a friend that has a repair shop and can get wholesale discount of 20% and, through him, my cost was $34 + $5 shipping to the shop.  Got the part in 4 days and I'm happy.  

My intent is not to slam the List dealers, as they have bailed me out many times and saved me tons of money.  My only point is that sometimes, (rarely perhaps) you can get stuff from the dealer cheaply and quickly. 

After considering making my own and reading the huge thread on these, I am pleasantly surprised that for under $40, I can just change mine and be back on the road quickly.  If a new one lasts the 16 years that the original did, I'll worry about making it out of stainless or copper then.

Lessons learned: 
1)  sometimes its worth it to check the dealer
2) Get friendly with a local shop.  Sometimes, they can find stuff that I can't, and they get a discount. 
3) when you order this item, be aware that it comes without the end plug.  You will need to use your old one or include one in your order.

Mark