I just replaced all my hoses on my '85 as part of a new Boston Engine
install.  Surprisingly, the original hoses were in pretty good shape.  I
don't know what these factory hoses are made of, but they are tough stuff.
I will never have to replace them again.  What was more critical though,
was the condition of some of the metal pipes underneath the hoses,
particularly the smaller pipes around the engine.   Several were pitted on
the ends were the hose was covering.  I wire-brushed all of them and used
some JB-Weld to fill in the ends--none were rusted through--just a couple
of pits deep enough that might cause leakage down the road.  JB-Weld is
great stuff, it appears to be similar to a product called "Metal-Set?" I
used many moons ago.  I got the hose kit from VanAgain and replaced the
tees and all of the heater hose as well.  I bought 25' of 5/8" heater hose
and had a few feet left over.  Even these hose were in pretty good shape.
You also need a few feet of 1/2" to do the back seat heater.  I replaced up
to the front heater control valve.

                                                            Jay Snyder

Bob Whitby <rpwhitby@MINDSPRING.COM>@gerry.vanagon.com> on 04/09/2002
12:25:15 AM

Please respond to Bob Whitby <rpwhitby@MINDSPRING.COM>

Sent by:    Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

To:    vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:
Subject:    When to replace hoses

How do I know when it's time? A close inspection revealed some hoses
obviously in need of replacing, and others that look just fine. Is this a
matter of "it can go at any time after four years," or will hoses give some
visual clue before giving up the fight?
Bob W.
'87 Westy