Volks,

The long steel coolant pipes on my 84 are very rusty and look like they
could go anytime.  They are seeping some coolant.  I realized how bad
they were when I was up under there replacing the clutch and throw out
bearing, and fixing a CV joint.

The van has seen better days - got quite a few dents from the fender
benders of 14 years of city driving.  Engine is pretty good with a minor
head gasket leak, but runs well.  In short, I couldn't sell it for very
much and spending too much on it is not practical.

I have been told that the steel pipes are not available anymore, plus
they are quite expensive ($140 or so apiece).  Plastic ones like were
found on some 85's are also expensive and would require some new hoses,
so the whole job would cost about $350 or more DIY.

But I have the long plastic pipes from an 87 plus the two hoses that
connect the pipes to the radiator.  I know that these pipes don't get
all the way back to the firewall (about 1 and 3 feet short).   So has
anyone ever put together a "patch" to use these 87 2.1 types plastic
pipes with a 1.9l WBX engine?

I would love to fix it using the parts that I have and thereby minimize
costs.   Past experiences would be valuable help in deciding what course
to take.

Sam Walters
Baltimore
84 Vanagon, original owner
89 Syncro GL