Date: Tue, 24 May 2005 15:22:12 -0700
Reply-To: Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Fisher <refisher@MCHSI.COM>
Subject: Re: That little s-shaped hose
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I had a small leak from that hose- actually I was lucky it was only a small
leak as the hose looked like hell and was soft, spongy, etc. I checked with
my local import FLAPS and they were going to have to order it at what seemed
to me to be an exorbitant price for a little piece of hose. I went down to
Napa and we found a much longer piece that had the same diameter and
approximately the same curves near one end- I just trimmed it down and I had
basically an identical hose.
I was under the van not long ago and I thought to check out the hose while I
was there- it's going to hell again. None of the other hoses have any
noticeable issues, so I'm thinking either I have a specific problem that's
causing trauma to that hose or there's an issue with placement or design or
something.
I'm sure at this point that my radiator needs to be reconditioned or
replaced but it's not running particularly hot so I'm not convinced that had
anything to do with it.
Basically at this point I'm planning on changing that hose out every time I
do my regular coolant/system maintenance, or as needed, whichever comes
first. I'm wondering if there's something more substantial available that
can be used instead of regular heater hose to enhance the
longevity/reliability of that piece- any thoughts?
Cya,
Robert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Warren Lail" <wlail@OU.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 7:16 AM
Subject: That little s-shaped hose
> When the engine blew on Billy Bones on that fateful journey from NC about
> a year and a half ago, it was that same little s-shaped hose that was the
> culprit. It was about 20 degrees outside and 3:00AM. I was driving along
> and my temp light blinked, then stopped. I looked at my temp guage as it
> dropped! I instantly pulled off the road, but it was too late. Steam was
> rolling into the night air, and the days of my mechanical adventures just
> beginning.
>
> Because of that experience, I changed every hose on my Vanagon when I
> installed the new engine. Those hoses can and will fail catastrophically.
> Unfortunately I had to learn this the hard way.
>
>
> Warren Lail
> 88 Westy "Billy Bones"
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