Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:29:00 -0800
Reply-To: Adam Grove <roverini@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Adam Grove <roverini@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: cooling system hose clamps
In-Reply-To: <6F46654C-83CC-4D35-B988-8A47D36957A7@markmcculley.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
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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