Let's start a thread where everyone can summarize which parts of the cooling system have failed when (at what age of the car and what mileage). This would be helpful for preventive maintenance. Focus on parts other than the head gaskets, because there has been enough discussion on them. My 87 Syncro cooling system had the following failures: head gasket drip 7 years ca. 140000 kms corrected with bars leak still running same gaskets at 247000 kms hose connector at right rear of engine pump to cylinder head broken 8 years ca. 170000 kms replaces expansion tank cracked 9 years ca. 190000 kms replaced pinholes in pipe to left of engine 10 years ca. 205000 kms replaced low level sensor cracked 10 years ca. 215000 kms replaced plastic manifold split 10 years ca. 220000 kms replaced small line to overflow tank broken 11 years ca. 230000 kms all small lines replaced flange to 2nd cyl broken 12 years ca. 247000 kms replaced note: the last incident just happened and the new flange is made of metal (the previous one was plastic which appeared to be quite soft and brittle). It cost an outrageous $32 Can at a VW dealer, but I would include the replacement in preventive maintenance. It connects to a small hose linking with the expansion/equalizing circuit around the engine. greetings, Björn Ratjen Mill Bay, B.C. 1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized) 1995 Passat TD (1982 Vanagon Diesel) 1979 VW Bus (self- camperized) |
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