Date:         Mon, 5 Dec 2011 21:58:31 -0800
Reply-To:     Tim Englund <tim.englund@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Englund <tim.englund@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Replacing Oil Cooler O-ring
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

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