Some people replace these with heater hoses.  Anyone remember the size?

Mike

> From: "Samuel L. Walters" <slwalters@EARTHLINK.NET>
> Reply-To: "Samuel L. Walters" <slwalters@EARTHLINK.NET>
> Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 23:13:55 -0400
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Replacing long coolant pipes on 84 , alternative fixes?
>
> 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
>