Hello Volks!

I have leaks from both hoses connected to the oil
cooler (the rubber has deteriorated under the metal
bands) and need to replace them. At the same time it
seems like a good idea to replace the other two small
hoses (the one coming from the thermostat and another
from the water pump, each through a connecting metal
tube).
My dealer says that to do the job they have to remove
part of the muffler (with the danger of secondary
damage to the rusted stud bolts) and the oil cooler
(with chances of damaging the seal) as well as dumping
my two month old original G11 coolant that cost a
fortune by itself. In addition, those 4 tiny, cheap
looking hoses cost a real fortune and need to be
specially imported via airmail from deutchland!).

I've replaced some other hoses before but this seems
like a really hard to get to location. My questions:

1. I like the idea I read about in the archives of a
single 5/8" hose directly to the thermostat (bypassing
the metal tube) because it's much cheaper, easier to
acquire and simpler to install. Has anyone done this
without removing the muffler or the oil cooler ("in
situ")?

2. How about the other two hoses (from the water
pump)? COuld they be replaced without removing the oil
cooler or muffler?

3. Can the coolant be retained, as opposed to my
dealers opinion (preferably not even drained, by
plugging the openings while doing the job)? What's the
best way to draing coolant for re-use?

I'd be glad to hear experiences and opinions from
listees that have tackled this task before.

=====
Cheers, T-man.

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