Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 10:09:33 -0600
Reply-To: Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Subject: Re: Replacing Oil Cooler O-ring
In-Reply-To: <BAY152-ds18F5EAE19953D058A501DEA0BA0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
I was wondering if using a large easy out inside the pipe might get
the sucker loose, especially if you put one or two of the thin nuts
over the threads to help keep them from distorting during the
break-loose part. I recently did this job, but took everything
apart. It didn't fix the leak, so elsewhere I must look. The old O
ring didn't look bad either, as it couldn't have been more than 4 or
5 years old. BTW, our local VW dealer had one in stock; likely due
to the fact that it's the same gasket/O-ring that fits the Jetta' coolers???
Props to Dennis and all the other gurus for their years of wisdom to
the list.....
DM&FS
At 05:17 AM 12/6/2011, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>If replacing the cooler then plan to replace the two hoses going to it. They
>are a bit fragile and are a real bear to replace road side and to get when
>needed. Note that they are two different hoses.
>The oil filter nipple is not a standard pipe size. It is a challenge to find
>an internal pipe wrench that fits. Get a second nut and use the two nuts
>tightened together method to get it out. Note that this can be a tight fit
>and difficult to get loosened.
>
>If you know your radiator is leaking and you have the replacement replace it
>now. Counter intuitive but regular additions of coolant is not a good thing.
>If the system can't maintain pressure cylinder and stud erosion can occur.
>Also, as coolant leaks out the minerals from tap water and other nasty's
>remain in. As you add new coolant you also add more dissolved O2. Deposits
>and excess corrosion is the result. Fix the leaks ASAP.
>
>Dennis
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>Tim Englund
>Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 12:59 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Replacing Oil Cooler O-ring
>
>Hello List,
>
>First of all, thanks for all the good advice on the fuel line leak I found
>the other day while trying to solve my auxiliary power problem.
>I replaced most of the fuel lines this past weekend (all except the one from
>the tank to the pump - I'll wait until the tank is almost empty before I do
>that one.)
>
>Now I'm on to the next problem - a leaky oil cooler o-ring. My question is
>this: to get to the o-ring, It looks like I need to either remove the two
>coolant tubes or I need to remove the tube the oil filter screws onto. Since
>I happen to have a brand new oil cooler, I'd prefer to remove the coolant
>tubes and replace the whole thing, but I'm wondering just how much coolant
>is going to be gushing out. Is it gallons or just a few quarts? In other
>words, if I use a bucket to catch it, will one bucket be enough? I'm not
>going to be draining the whole system, am I? (Of course the next problem is
>to replace the leaky radiator, but I'm hoping to put that off for a bit.)
>If, on the other hand, I leave the hoses connected and remove the tube, is
>an internal pipe wrench really the right tool? Does the tube have reverse
>threads (righty-loosey)? I would have to buy or borrow such a tool.
>I've searched the internet and spent some time in the list archives, but
>haven't found a definitive answer. So, anybody have any suggestions? Any
>links to step-by-step directions?
>Also, I have no reason to believe that the oil cooler has failed, so is it
>worth it to replace it now?
>
>Thanks to all!
>Tim Englund
>'89 Westy, Zola
>Ellensburg, WA
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