Date: Tue, 2 Jun 1998 12:45:09 -0700
Reply-To: marcus <marcus46@FREEWWWEB.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: marcus <marcus46@FREEWWWEB.COM>
Subject: Re: Maitenance Philosophy: Coolant Hoses
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Replacing coolant hoses without problems is a waste of money. My van is 14 years old
and I have had to splice the hose from the expansion tank to the main line cause the
drive belt for the a/c cut a hole into it. Dealer wanted $75 no way was I going to pay
that. I cut and spliced in a pipe with clamps and all is well. I had to replace the
metal water line thats over the block as this had a rust hole. Yesterday I was
flushing the coolant and thought these hoses are going to fall apart when I go to
remove them. Not the case they were good as new Ok good as almost new.By the way I
need to talk to Michael 86sycro about his flushing procedures. So I don't think
replacing the coolant hoses just because your van has afew years on it is worth the
money.But of coure if inspection shows problems ,do so. I would spend my money
replacing the gas lines. So what do we have. Blowed coolant hose and dash gagues go
crazy you pull over and have van towed.Gas hose blowed you pull over and watch van
burn and then receive bill from city
Shawn Wright wrote:
> On 2 Jun 98 at 8:14, Mark McCulley wrote:
>
> > At 08:09 PM 5/31/98 -0500, Mark B. Magee wrote:
> > >Agreed, maintenance is critical: Riddle me this, should we ever
> > >consider, at some point (time/mileage) consider replacing all
> > >wasserboxer coolant hoses. I understand that they are much higher
> > >quality than that of the American steel of late, and that all new hoses
> > >cost around $600 USD's. When one goes, should should the rest "go", that
> > >is get replaced? I have been researching/pondering this for some time
> > >and any experience/feedback appreciated.
> > >BTW: I have 2x $600 USD's potential jobs.
> > >Almost forgot, what of pressurized coolant tank, should it be expected
> > >to fail at a certain point.
> > >Please don't throw in heater cores, valves, radiators etc in this mix,
> > >that might blow -my- headgasket (my budget of course!).
> >
> > I had originally planned to replace all my coolant hoses this summer. My van
> > is now 11 years old and I figured this would be good preventative
> > maintainence. After inspecting the hoses closely though I've changed my
> > mind. The hoses appear to be in excellent condition. I did replace some of
> > the small hoses that run around the top of the engine compartment as they
> > were starting to look a bit rotten. I'll keep a close eye on the other hoses
> > and will replace them (probably all of them at once) when I notice any weakness.
> >
> > -Mark McCulley
> > 87 syncro Westfalia
>
> Agreed - VW hoses are certainly very good quality. Most of the major hoses are
> original on my Westy, and my Jetta which is nearing 400,000km, has only had one
> hose replaced, where it got soft from engine flexing. Provided the coolant is
> clean (no oil) and replaced often, 10 years seems to be no problem for most of
> the hoses.
>
> ========================
> Shawn Wright
> Computer Systems Manager
> Shawnigan Lake School
> 250-743-6240
> swright@sls.bc.ca
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