Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 02:16:10 EDT
Reply-To: Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Coolant hose wearing due to AC belt
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
James et al--
I've always had a problem with the A/C belt grooving on the coolant hose. I
have an early watercooled--meaning low VIN number 83.5 with the 1.9 L. The
real early 83.5 water cooled engines had a different cooling hose set up and
different coolant expansion tank. My expansion tank has a metal cap among
other differences. (You can check your ETKA to see the alternate hose set up).
The hose set up on mine lends itself to getting hit by the A/C belt even
more than the more common 1.9L set up. I'm guessing this is why they changed the
system in late 83 or early 84. My system does not have the obsolete "H" pipe
or "double T" as it is sometimes called (025 121 438). Although most of the
parts I have are obsolete as well, so it helps me feel like I'm part of the
gang.
The hose from my expansion tank to the metal crossover pipe is about 1/3 of
an inch, if that, from the A/C belt.
Anyway I could go on and on about the hose set up--but it's really not that
useful info. since most of you have a later model bus or have "upgraded" to
the later 1.9L expansion tank with the obsolete "H" or "double T"
To solve the problem I repalced the grooved coolant hose, then wrapped it
with a piece of galvanized metal or some metal sheet i got at the hardware
store. It's held in place by two hose clamps. Obviously you don't want to clamp
the hose clamps too tight--but tight enough so they don't move. Also make sure
the "edge" of the sheet metal wont' be in a position where it will grab the
belt.
The sheet metal has a few skids on it from the belt--but honestly no
problems with the "system" for about 6 years.
Oh, and I disconnected the A/C belt.
Alright, while I did disconnect the A/C belt recently--it has been hooked up
for 6 years and the "hose guards" have worked great.
For those with an 83.5 check your hose set up. When I first noticed the
groovy issue I thought at a glance I had the same set up as most busses until I
looked more close. So James, I don't know what year your bus is--I think it
might be an 83 also if I remember. Maybe it has the odd early set up I have.
Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA
In a message dated 4/26/2005 1:43:48 PM Pacific Standard Time,
ballenjames@HOTMAIL.COM writes:
So I believe my AC belt in my 1.9 WBX setup must be too loose because after
a while it starts to wear a groove away in the coolant hose that runs in the
middle of it...
