Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:06:10 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: coolant
In-Reply-To: <51721A60.4020904@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
oh man ..
I would say, eyeball the fuel hoses and clamps on the engine for now ,
and see if anything looks weak,
or have an engine savvy person look at them.
people will likely think this is crazy ..
I have rarely seen original hoses actually fail.
what I have seen numerous times is this One Spot that can leak.
that is just forward of the plastic fuel fitting on the firewall, right
above the starter.
The original crimp type clamp there allows a small leak eventually.
And the plastic fitting should be removed and bypassed..
and a clamp the rubber hose that feeds fuel to the engine onto the hard
plastic line with a good fuel injection hose clamp. Don't run the hose
through the firewall fitting hole ...no reason to.
I would even say ....new fuel hose often is not as good as what was used
originally. Fuel hose comes in several grades. From barely adequate to
methanol rated.
Do replace all crimp type hose clamps with a better 'real' fuel
injection hose clamp..ideally band type with screw on the side.
it's not in the hoses so much ..
it is in the detail focus on tiny details..
examples of unwareness of which I see constantly on vanagon work.
it's not in the parts, it's in the detail workmanship.
I'd deal with that firewall thing ..
replace crimp style clamps as I got to them ..
and just keep an eye on things.
The original hose is so strong you could tow a vanagon with aloop of it
I'm sure.
The ends deteriorate a little sometimes.
Checking that stuff out carefully is what eyeballs are for.
It's not the hoses that are the problem, it's the neglect and not
checking things carefully.
and careless /sloppy work done to vanagons.
Of course....all cars should have a fire extinguisher onbaord ..
plus a way to get the battery disconnected quickly.
Just check things carefully.
the firewall fitting area is the only real main concern that I have seen.
On vans that are rusted ...like hose clamps ....replace those for sure !
Aloha,Scott
turbovans
On 4/19/2013 9:32 PM, JRodgers wrote:
> Tina,
>
> Since you are a newbie - we have no idea what you know and don't know
> about the vans - you you will get told a lot of stuff. It may be a
> repeat - but bear with us. We want all Vanagon List Members to safely
> enjoy their machines.
>
> The first safety item on the list -------Fuel hoses.
>
> These vans are notorious for burning up. Unless you know the history of
> your van absolutely - The very first thing you need to do is replace ALL
> the fuel hoses in the engine compartment with new hoses and clamps. Keep
> in mine these vans are 25 plus years old and some have the original
> hoses. They really need to be replaced at least every five years. Some
> of our List Vendors sell kits just for that purpose.
>
> There will be other stuff - but this is the one you cannot put off. If
> you have everything on hand - it only takes a couple of hours. If you
> want to do it yourself - just ask - there's plenty of help here on the
> list.
>
> Happy Vanagon Cruis'n!
>
> John
>
> On 4/19/2013 10:22 PM, tina canny wrote:
>> Thanks everyone
>> I'm a newbie to the vanagon. I appreciate all the advice.
>> Tina
>> .
>>
>
