In a message dated 10/31/05 10:27:19 AM Eastern Standard Time,
swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA writes:

>
> The steel coolant lines on my '82 diesel Westy had the typical rust in the
> last 18" of pipe, so I cut this out and replaced with marine coolant/exhaust
> hose, sized to fit over the steel pipe. For now, I have double clamped
> each joint, as they are prone to slipping, since there is no 'flare' on the
> pipe where it was cut. Now I have a friend facing the same issue no their
> '85.
> Ideas that have come up so far as: 1) welding a bead around the pipe to
> simulate the stock flare. 2) Buying the expensive tool to create the flare
> in
> the pipe (way too expensive!).
>
> Any other ideas? The drawback with welding is having to remove the
> whole length of pipe (and presumably the fuel tank as well). Unless I can
> bend a wire around the end of the pipe and just tack it in place in a few
> spots with the pipe installed...
>
> In both vans, the pipes appear pristine except for the rearmost 18", so
> replacing the whole lot seems overkill. But maybe 1.5" hose the whole
> way is a better choice long term? The marine hose I used is much larger
> (very thick), so I don't know if it will fit in some of the tight spots.
>
> Ideas welcome...
>
> Shawn Wright
> http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
> '85 Jetta D
> '88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
> (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
> '82 Diesel Westy
>

Terry K makes a stainless steel splice fit for this very purpose.  i have the
kit on my 84 sunroof as well as my 85 Doka.

chris