Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007 18:00:25 -0800
Reply-To: jon <jon@KENNEKE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: jon <jon@KENNEKE.COM>
Subject: WBX coolant line - heads up
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Just thought I would pass on some recommended (by me) preventative
maintenance:
We were headed out of town today on the freeway in our 1986 stock Westy,
and I saw a cloud of steam coming out the back, and the temperature
headed up. Foruntately, this was right at an exit.
Pulled over, opened the engine, and found that the 7.5mm coolant line that
runs from the top of right side head to the metal line had broken. When I
grabbed the remaining hose, it broke right off. The whole line was very,
very brittle.
After that, I scratched my head for a moment. Since the entire piece of
hose was toast, it had to be replaced with something. (Sure, I could have
called AAA, but it was such a nice day, I could putz for a bit) Then, I
spotted the line that runs from the coolant reservoir to the overflow
tank. It's the right size and length. Plus, for the 5 miles back home, the
overflow tank was not need. I swapped the hoses, and refilled the
reservoir with the two gallons of water we *always* carry. Made it home
with no problems.
That exact line is not available locally, so I made do with some cheap
stuff until the good german stuff arrives from Van-Cafe. Several months
ago that van had what looked like a leaking head. No, it was another 3 or
so inch section of that $#@$#@ 7.5mm line that was leaking. I replaced
that section, but I didn't think to look for more rotted sections of that
same type of hose elsewhere. Grrr.
Back to the story: returning home, was all piled into another one of our
vans, and off we sped. (Well, not sped...it's a 1.9NA Diesel Vanagon. ;))
This time, we didn't even make it as far as the first time. I heard a
strange sound (being pre-parnoidal from the first incident), and pulled
over to check it out. Turns out the sound was my ham radio antenna
slapping against the side. I go to start the van, and almost nothing.
F$#@@$#!!! I whip out the porta-charger thing, hook it up to the battery,
wait 10 minutes, and the van starts right up. Not wanting to get 2 hours
from home with problems, we went back to home, and went out for a nice
lunch. This daytrip was not meant to be.
Turns out the problem with a sticky glow plug relay. I have a couple
spares, so I plugged the new one in, and all is well.
So, after you all replace your fuel lines, don't forget about these
#@$##$@ 7.5mm lines. Oh yeah, this is the third time we've had a coolant
issue on this van: last winter the rear heater core line burst. So,
replace ALL of your coolant lines. I think Van-Cafe (and others) have a
$300.00 kit for this.
So, our VW karma was not good today. But, we've been very lucky in past
trips, so I guess our time was due. These kind of problems really don't
irritate me. I always carry tools, and many spares (no hose, though. I
will in the future!!).
I hope our adventures can help other folks from having these same
problems!!!
Jon
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