sorry I misread the part about the pressure cap
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Barry Muller 
  To: ROBERT DONALDS 
  Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 8:54 PM
  Subject: Re: Of blown coolant hoses and old radiators

  Hi Bob,

  Well, it is a new pressure cap, direct from VW.   I had to replace the old one when I accidently (foolishly) applied too much pressure on the nipple while trying to unscrew it.  I'll see if I can get a coolant pressure tester this weekend - after I resolve the leaky pipe to hose connection.

  Thanks,

  Barry

  ROBERT DONALDS wrote:

Barry
with a coolant pressure tester connected to the cold engine start the engine
if it gets to 14 pds in the first few minutes then the inner  head gaskets
are leaking combustion pressure into the cooling system and why would you
run an old pressure cap if you suspect the cooling system is over
pressurizing itself  BUY NEW
Bob
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Barry Muller" <ekab_muller@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2004 9:24 PM
Subject: Of blown coolant hoses and old radiators

  Hello folks,

My 1991 has been popping coolant hoses off as of late.  First it was the
center top frm the thermostat housing, then the front connection right
at the point where the hose connects to the plastic pipe (roughly under
the front seats).  Replaced the hose clamps each time but the leak has
started at the hose pipe junction again (after only ca. 50 miles).  Now
this connection is the line that goes to the bottom of the radiator - if
that matters.

This is a new rebuilt engine with less than 4,000 miles  - all new hoses
in the engine bay, new water pump, new thermostat and a new cap on the
coolant reservoir (not the over flow tank) and  lots of other new things
that don't relate to the cooling system too.  The coolant looks OK, so I
don't think the coolant system is being charged with exhaust gases, so
I'm guessing maybe the 13 year old radiator is plugged?  Got a new
radiator which I hope to swap into the van this weekend.

Q1) Is there any other problem taht could result in producing thes
aforementioned symptoms?

Q2) Do I have to get plastic ($$$$) VW pipes to replace the old ones
under the van, or has someone figured out a replacement taht is cheaper
and better?

Thanks in advance.

I love this van, but I'm sure glad I got a 2003 EV MV to cart the family
around.

bem