I just replaced my cooling pipes and it was worth the cost, and here in San
Diego California.

I figure the critical areas are oil leaks, cooling leaks, gas lines and
brakes. I've had all these done at a very reasonable cost. Over $1200 in
parts and labor for security over the next 20 or 30 years in all these
areas. That's less than $60 a year.

NEVER compromise on safety. NEVER be penny wise an dollar poor.

There is always a way to make the money you need for necessary repairs.

William

----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Kasper" <dragonlist@IPMTS.UCSC.EDU>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 11:38 AM
Subject: replacing long plastic coolant hoses

> i have figured out that to replace my radiator hoses, from radiator stub
> hoses through the plastic hoses to the stub hoses coming off the
> distribution t and engine, would cost me somewhere north of $475 in
> parts alone.  that, as we say in california, is a NOT.
>
> taking peter krough's excellent example, i checked in to buying shields
> no. 250 wet exhaust hose with 1.25 in inside diameter, wire reinforced.
> at roughly $7/foot (including tax), getting more than enough (30 feet)
> will only set me back $210, and i will have some excess for emergency
> hose repairs.  as well, i plan to cut up the good parts of the plastic
> hose to use as connectors in case of emergency.
>
> since i am unsure the hose will hold shape (the curves matching stock
> hoses) given temperature changes and vibration as i use our van, i was
> thinking i would bend the hoses and then wrap them in the same
> fiberglass wrapping folk are using on their exhaust headers.  that stuff
> sets up stiff, right?  it'll also add protection and a bit of
> insulation, especially on the radiator return stub pipe near the
> engine.  any thoughts or warnings for me before i proceed?
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> bill
> '87 syncro westfalia