The N 20 357 1 (7mm Hose) mentioned below by dvwimportautoparts.com is
incorrect for VW models running L-Jet/Digijet/Digifant Fuel Injection which
is used on Bay Window Buses, 74 412s and our beloved Vanagons (Air or Water
Cooled) due to the slightly higher fuel pressure as opposed to D-Jet Fuel
Injection on the Type 3 and Early Type 4.

Volkswagen introduced a higher pressure rated 7mm hose which is better
reinforced and has a smooth covering, VW # N 20 281 1.  This is generally
what Continental/CRP USA distributes through the major importer/warehouses
these days and is far superior in strength, durability and longevity to the
earlier cloth covered "357" hose.  Several years ago, VW even went further
by introducing an improved hose for higher temperature use in the engine
compartment of the Vanagon under the part number N 900 253 19, which was
subsequently superseded to  N 903 397 02, which is the current offering at
Volkswagen.  This latest variety isn't cheap either, as for example Bus
Depot sells it for $27.02 (I assume per meter [just over 3 feet] length) and
I'm sure it's more $$ at Volkswagen.

VW, even though they still list the N 20 357 1 hose in their price list,
upgraded (?) to part number 443 121 107 A to be used with FI systems in the
Type 3 and 71-73 Type 4 engine compartments several years ago.  Note that
it's a Group 121 (Water Cooled Component) part number, which is weird
considering most coolant hoses are not manufactured in fuel resistant
materials such as neoprene or buna.  This part apparently is fuel resistant
or it could be a HUGE mistake on Volkswagen's listing in ETKA.  My database
also shows it to be the coolant overflow hose number for Audi/Volkswagen
water cooled applications (strangely, the Vanagon is not listed in the
application database I have).

I currently use (and have used for the past 7 years,) the N 20 281 1 hose
throughout the fuel system and the Bypass Hose and Coolant Expansion Tank to
Refill Tank Hose mentioned by Jonathan Farrugia.  Because of heavy useage in
the course of on-going mobile living in my Westy, I replace the fuel hoses
in the engine compartment every two to three years.

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don Deitke" <DVWImports@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2004 6:01 PM
Subject: Re: coolant hose number

> Various Hose Sizes for VW Applications
> >From Don @ DVW Import Auto Parts
> www.dvwimportautoparts.com
>
> Save in your Favorites or Book Mark for Future Reference
>
> Inside Dia.    Part #        / Description /
> 3.5mm      N 20 353 1   Black Vacuum Gas
> 4.5mm      N 20 361 2   Red Vacuum Diesel
> 5.0mm      N 20 355 1   Black Fuel Hose
> 7.0mm      N 20 357 1   Black Fuel Hose
> 9.0mm      N 20 359 2   Brown Fuel Hose
> 12mm       N 20 374 1   Black Fuel Hose
> 14mm       N 20 371 1   Black Fuel Hose
> 15mm       N 20 363 1   Black Fuel Hose
> 17mm       N 20 370 1   Black Fuel Hose
>
> www.dvwimportautoparts.com