Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 06:17:56 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Replacing Oil Cooler O-ring
In-Reply-To: <CAP15vTbwpq=5fEj=FXjtQZjwqBx1+oa7=n3Co+SVX1Q0xfzzCA@mail.gmail.com>
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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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