On a '90 the plastic tubes should have a metal insert in each end, where the hoses are
clamped. The insert keeps the plastic from deforming. They can rust or otherwise move
out of position.
Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Grungy" <grungy@MINDLESS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2003 4:07 PM
Subject: coolant leak question...

> My '90 GL has a coolant leak up front, where the radiator hoses meet
> the long coolant tubes.  After replacing both hoses there was still a
> leak.  One of the long coolant tubes had no plastic end on it - and
> it appeared to be the leaky one, so the tube was replaced.  After the
> replacement, the other tube/hose interface is leaking - drip, drip,
> drip.  *sigh*
> Took it apart and found some plastic "whiskers" protruding from the
> back side of the fat part of the plastic end on the tube.  These were
> cut off. Checked the hose with my finger to see if there was any
> gross evidence of cuts - didn't feel any. Put it all back together
> again.  Drip, drip, drip.  *big sigh*
>
> The plastic tube appears to be solid, but the pair keep leaking.
> Can over-tightening of the hose clamp make it leak more?
> I'm using screw-type hose clamps and three out of the four don't leak.
>
> Is there any way to seal this up without replacing the long coolant tube?
> Sealant?  Putty?  Two hose-clamps?  One of VW's spring-clamps?
> --
>
> bcnu - Grungy  (Kailua, HI)  opinions are just that.obviously.
> '60 dddPanel '69 Bug '90 Vanagon '93 Eurovan '00 Audi A6 Avant
> g r u n g y AT g r u n g y DOT c o m