Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2022 13:51:02 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Current coolant hose repairs
In-Reply-To: <BL0PR05MB4916EB4EABF626ADD7CC14CCA0E79@BL0PR05MB4916.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>
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Hi Dennis,
I’ve become a fan of these clamps but they certainly have some challenges.
I was thinking I’d like to have a set of common sizes but this now sounds even more challenging.
With all kinds of hose materials and diameters having the correct size is going to be a challenge.
Anyone have a source for a reasonably priced variety pack?
I bought one on Amazon with the special pliers. The pliers are pretty good but the spring clamps are not nearly as nice as the ones I got from Bus Lab.
Eric
> On Dec 17, 2022, at 1:13 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> Assuming the clamps are the Roto-Clip Constant Tension Band Clamps, there quality is beyond compare, military grade stuff. The problem is they have a specific range of operation and need to be properly matched to the hose and fitting being clamped. Where we run into trouble is that the hoses we get are often different in both size and material and often the parts, fittings may also be different. Even in larger sizes these clamps are available in very close size spacings. On the tab there was a stamped number. That referred to max diameter assembled hose to clamp in MM. In the range for the "H" pipe the clamps are probably available in 2MM steps.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
> Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2022 12:57 PM
> To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> Cc: Vanagon List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Re: Current coolant hose repairs
>
> Yes, Not ideal but even though I did put clamps on first and hose then try to move clamp over soaped surface we just could not do it. So I had the option of trimming the tab a bit or using a worm clamp. I trimmed the tab and then was able to get the clamp in place. Fingers crossed that about 1/8 inch off the tab doesn’t mess up the function. Currently all is tight and no drips.
> I didn’t need to do it to all the clamps but about 3 were just impossible. Still tight with the extra space but I could sneak over the bump once I cut a bit off the tab..
> My guess is the clamps like many of our parts are not as perfectly designed as they used to be and sizes are not as exact as we would expect. Just my guess.
>
> Eric
>
>> On Dec 17, 2022, at 10:31 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Eric,
>> You wrote "I cut off some tabs to get a bit more diameter and that worked."
>> Thise tabs are critical to the design of the clamp. It limits the amount the clamp can be opened to prevent the clamp being over extended which will distort it and ruin it. These clamps are very closely designed.
>> For the tight fits I place the clamp over the hose and then push the hose over the fitting. Some type of lube or a sealant is very helpful.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 1:47 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Current coolant hose repairs
>>
>> Hi Mark,
>>
>> I’m sure I sent an update, but here is another.
>>
>> I ended up getting the H pipe, plastic, and 4 hoses from bus lab. A VT person works for them so it made it easier for me to be sure I was getting the correct parts. Price and shipping were also rather good.
>>
>> So, I pre assembled the hoses on the H pipe.
>>
>> I had some trouble with the spring clamps as they just were not opening enough by a fraction.
>> I cut off some tabs to get a bit more diameter and that worked.
>> A capable friend showed up so we finished the job as a team. The old hoses were on a H pipe made from metal pipe fittings and not really the correct sizes. The old hoses were damaged by stretching and the worm clamp cuts.
>>
>> After assembly and filling the reservoir all was good. It burped all on its own and I just refilled the over flow tank.
>>
>> Today I’m trying to get the 84 into my heated garage. I have all kinds of plans for cleaning, updating, inspection, cleaning, and lubricating.
>>
>> Wish me luck as if it fits in it will be very close and requires tires deflating.
>>
>> Once in the warm space I’ll also hope to get friends to inspect other lines and see what I will start replacing. But, if things seem tight I will likely leave alone.
>>
>> My 85 is currently with a skilled mechanic being evaluated for compression and oil consumption issues. That is why there is room in my garage.
>> Luckily he offered to transport by flat bed to avoid salt.
>>
>> Eric Caron
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Dec 14, 2022, at 1:02 PM, Mark McCulley <mark@MARKMCCULLEY.COM> wrote:
>>>
>>> Eric, how is your coolant hose project progressing? If you've posted an update, I didn't get it.
>>>
>>> -Mark
>>>
>>>> On Nov 8, 2022, at 3:56 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Any suggestions on this project are welcome.
>>>>
>>>> I’m currently slowly working on changing out the four hoses and H pipe that come off the reservoir on my stock 84 system.
>>>>
>>>> I’m slow.
>>>>
>>>> So, today I was able to assemble the new hoses onto the new H pipe. That took longer then I thought and more effort.
>>>>
>>>> One of the challenges was that the spring clamps, though the correct size would not open enough to get over the nipple hump on some of the connectors. I had to take my disk cutter and cut off the protruding metal tune on the side that the fork on my special pliers attach. Once that was gone the clamp would open just a bit more and all was good.
>>>> It is always interesting to me that even with the correct parts and sizes things often still need modification to fit or work.
>>>>
>>>> Now that the assembly is put together I need to pull the old H pipe and hoses and install the new one.
>>>>
>>>> I’m hoping for nice weather to finish tomorrow.
>>>>
>>>> Then need to figure out how to top off the coolant.
>>>>
>>>> My current plan is to fill the reservoir and then pressureize to see what happens. Then if I can add more coolant I will.
>>>>
>>>> After that I may need to wait for sighted assistence to start the van and keep track of the coolant level.
>>>>
>>>> I’m told the 1.9 doesn’t beep that easily so tips appreciated.
>>>>
>>>> I plan to remove the front grill and can crack the radiator nut to help let out air. I also have a slope In my driveway I could use to bring the front up.
>>>>
>>>> I always appreciate the voice of experience during these projects.
>>>> This is a first for me.
>>>>
>>>> Eric Caron
>>>> Working on the 84 Westfalia
>
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