Date: Mon, 15 May 2017 01:01:29 +0000
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Steel coolant pipe removal?
In-Reply-To: <!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAANUogDnc40lLogXLJwpoBczCgAAAEAAAAFJRVmIyCc5Fo6Mbyoqo2o4BAAAAAA==@dslextreme.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Most of the kits now come with spring type clamps and hoses so tight they almost don't need clamps. With all the other hose connections two more is not that big a deal. A big advantage of the two piece kits is shipping and stoarage.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dick Wong
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2017 12:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Steel coolant pipe removal?
I have not installed my coolant pipes personally. They are two piece and they came with the van (Syncro).
One observation I have with the two piece, is the center hoses with two hose clamps each, is a point of failure.
I was losing a small amount of coolant, topping off every two months or so.
One day while underneath, greasing the shifter bushings, I noticed a single drop of coolant on the connector hose. I got out my screwdriver to tighten it and "CLICK", the worm screw stripped out. Then the drips really started.
I replaced all four clamps and all is good now.
Examining the hose clamps, the worm threads had corroded and when I went to tighten it, it slipped.
I don't know how difficult the one piece pipes are to install versus the two piece pipes, but it's something to consider. In my case, I have no belly tank to deal with.
Good Luck!
-Dick-
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Haynes
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2017 6:47 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Steel coolant pipe removal?
Really depends if that one clamp over the tank is still in place. There were two different diameter pipe set ups used. If going the new pipe route go for the 86 and later set up. You may have to open the holes over the tank to make some more room. This gets you onto the later hoses front-rear also. For folks keeping the water boxer in the85 and earlier vans I try hard to push for the change to later cooling system and exhaust. If you're doing the work and spending money anyway try to get the most benefit.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2017 8:49 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Steel coolant pipe removal?
Can these pipes be removed without dropping the gas tank? And can the SS pipes be installed as well that way? Engine and tranny are out, and I'm prepping for the conversion.
The pipes in my '85 are not rusty, but one of them is flattened for about 4"
to an oval that's ½" by 2", rather than the 1 ½" original diameter. One surprise after another with these old vans. A quick calculation says that's about a 0.8 sq. in. area for coolant flow vs. the round 2.4 sq. in. area.
Yikes. Never had an overheating issue, but with my Subaru conversion investment I'm going to junk these pipes.
What's easiest to install, the two piece or full length pipes? I'm thinking the full length pipes are better without the extra hose connection, but I really don't want to drop that tank (again).
Thanks!
Stuart
