Date:         Sun, 1 Jan 2006 11:29:21 -0800
Reply-To:     John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Intro and New Engine Question
Comments: To: Eric Luebbers <a91syncro@yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006010112365146@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

>  Is there anything else that that I
> have forgotten.
>

That flanged elbow coolant pipe (025 121 171) that bolts to the right side
head: if yours is plastic, get a metal one.
Consider also possibly replacing the heater hoses if you're not already. A
50' box of 5/8" heater hose is dirt cheap and since you'll be taking a
coolant bath anyway, you might as well go the full monty.
Check BOTH ends of the plastic coolant pipes for the infamous extrusion of
the metal stiffeners. Mine were fine at the rear,
<http://raq.foodhammer.net/pics/pipes3.jpg>
but were sticking out quite a bit at the front
<http://raq.foodhammer.net/pics/pipes1.jpg>
<http://raq.foodhammer.net/pics/pipes4.jpg>
Wave the propane torch over 'em a bit (carefully! heat, don't burn...) and
they press right back in <http://raq.foodhammer.net/pics/pipes2.jpg>
Now is definitely the time to do it, as it's quite trivial to remove the
plastic pipes with the engine out. I used the GoWesty "extrusion prevention
kit" on mine. I imagine something similar could be fairly easily put
together for a little cheaper, but fifty bucks on top of the thousands I'd
already sank into it seemed like nothing at the time.


--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"