----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Dorm" <mark_hb@hotmail.com>
To: <wolzphoto@worldnet.att.net>; <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 8:56 PM
Subject: Re: 2.1 coolant woes/Questions

> I have a few coolant questions of my own.
>
> First, do those spring load clamps that attach the hoses to the radiator
> ever fail or go bad? (these are the kind without the screw).

I've never had one of the spring clamps go bad, but I have scarred them up a
bit.

Second, is the
> special tool needed to take these off something you buy somewhere? If yes
is
> it common and universal (ie available at FLAPS), or is something you order
> from a special source?

There is a special tool available at most FLAPS, but I've always had good
luck using Chanellock type pliers.
>
> Third, my last mechanic put in the wrong sensor in the thermostat housing.
> This is the sender that feeds the guage telling you how hot you engine is.
> This is the black one (not the blue one). The one they put in is for the
> radiator up front (that is used for telling the fan when to go on). The
> sensor now in the housing (which is wrong) is 025 906 231. (what a pain
this
> was to read! was hard to read being near sighted.). The sensor is supposed
> to be 251 919 501, or 251 919 501D. (per a vw dealer part guy). So, does
> using the wrong sensor give you the wrong info, or are these really the
same
> but with different part numbers? I am reading a bit hotter since the
repair.
> But I also started a coolant leak in the radiator, a minor one, right
after
> the repair. Or rather, it started itself.

The radiator sensor threads into a hole in the side of the radiator.  Is
this the same arrangement for the t'stat?  I am only guessing, but if it is
a different part #, it is almost certainly a different value.
>
> Fourth, if I buy the repair manual, do you think its easy for a novice to
> change their own radiator?

Easy, err  .  .  .  no, but quite doable.  It's more a PITA than technically
difficult.
>
> Thanks!
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