Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2022 01:41:15 +0000
Reply-To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: cooling system hose clamps
In-Reply-To: <1164387230.852098.1663873042643@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I implore you to give some feedback as you solve your current issues. PLEASE!! This is the way this thing works. We will not judge you. We will not criticize you. But we NEED to understand your thought process, and of course the results of your efforts. Basically, we are well intentioned amatures.
There are 2 guys here, that over the decades, have provided numerous tips and advice. Free of charge. Their names rhyme with "Mark" and "Dennis".
That is what makes this List so cool.
On Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11:57:22 AM PDT, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Hey, well done! But in your search, don't overlook the Front End. Especially the hoses going to front heater core. Usually you smell the problem...kind of obvious.
On Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11:29:18 AM PDT, mark@markmcculley.com <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
Thank Richard! I called local Autozone and they have one available, will be borrowing it and testing this weekend.
-Mark
> On Sep 22, 2022, at 10:24 AM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>
> At Autozone, you can get a pressurizing kit for free; you "buy" it with your credit card, but then have 90 days to return it for full refund. Yes, you just pump it up; spray soapy water here and there to find leaks. Sure, they want to sell you parts; but this is a fantastic service. Upon return of kit, I even bought a 10 mm socket!!! Go figure.
>
> On Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 08:29:17 AM PDT, Adam Grove <roverini@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> HI Mark,
>
> I replaced all my coolant hoses last year and this summer found several
> small leaks and yes, you are right, those by the hot engine parts never
> leave a drop on the ground. I am wondering how your mechanic determined
> there were no leaks. You can pressurise the system and then see if it
> loses pressure over time. Doing this when the engine is cold might show up
> those vaporizing leaks. Also, I have read that silicone hoses tend to seep
> if not tightened properly and some suggest using different clamps. I used
> all rubber so I cannot speak to that personally.
>
> Pressure testing at this point might be the best bet if your mechanic did
> not already do that.
>
> Adam
> 91 Syncro Westy
>
> On Thu, Sep 22, 2022 at 6:59 AM Mark McCulley <mark@markmcculley.com> wrote:
>
>> About a year ago I had my cooling system revamped with a new radiator,
>> water pump, stainless steel pipes to the radiator, and many new hoses.
>> Since then I can smell coolant outside the van after driving it. I took it
>> back to the mechanic, said they pressurized the system and found no leaks.
>> There is no evidence to be found of any coolant dripping on the pavement
>> beneath the van, only the smell. On a recent 200 mile trip the van depleted
>> most of the coolant in the overflow tank. The rear heater core is bone dry,
>> that isn't the problem.
>>
>> The coolant smell is strong on the right rear side so I've been looking at
>> the hoses and connections in that area. I suspect the leak may be at the
>> hose connection on the front of the right head. This connection is above
>> the exhaust outlet so any coolant that leaked would be vaporized and never
>> reach the ground. This connection is a new silicone hose with a new
>> screw-type hose clamp.
>>
>> My question here is whether an ear clamp (Oetiker style) would be better
>> than a screw-type clamp for this application.
>>
>> Also part of the revamp was a new aluminum coolant reservoir with a 16lb
>> pressure cap. I've also wondered if the cap might be defective, causing the
>> system to run at a higher than designed pressure.
>>
>> I spent a lot of $$ so that the all important cooling system would be
>> robust and I wouldn't have to worry about it, very dismayed to have to keep
>> troubleshooting this. I appreciate any observations or comments.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Mark
>> '87 syncro
>>
>
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