On 6/17/06, Gerald Masar <azsun99@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> I am probably dreaming, but I know there is a lot of info out here.
> Is there an easy way to R&R the alt/wtr pump belt without removing the
> other two belts

Nope, but taking off belts on the wasserboxer is already easy. Try changing
the belts on a 94 Honda Civic.

On the other topic, I had my doubts that it would work, but you can re-seat
> the metal
> insert into the plastic coolant pipes. A 1500 watt hair dryer, 2x2 block
> of wood,
> hammer, patience and perseverance. Lots of the latter. When I got it in as
> far as the
> shoulder on the metal pipe, I thought no way will it go further. Keep
> trying, it did,
> flush with the plastic pipe. I was able to wedge the hair dryer in above
> the shift
> linkage, pointing at the pipe, so I could heat and hammer. This was on the
> front end,
> right side pipe. Other pipes are okay. Now I am installing the GW coolant
> pipe repair
> kit. The next time, I will seriously consider drilling a hole through the
> side of the
> pipe into the insert and putting in a stainless steel screw.

Wow, you fixed it in place? That's truly impressive. That explains why you
didn't use the propane torch method. The GoWesty repair should be all it
needs. I think they get "squeezed" out by pressure from the hose clamp
combined with a slight softening of the plastic. In the "factory" setup,
there's nothing in that hose to stand in the insert's way. It shouldn't take
much opposing force to hold them in place, and the GoWesty brass inserts
provide plenty.

Speaking of the metal inserts coming out thing, has anyone noticed a
pattern? Do they come out more on the front than the back? On the return
more than the feed pipe? Mine were both 90% extruded at the radiator end
when I fixed 'em, and the engine ends were both in perfect condition. Not
even any sign of cracking behind the pipe lip.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"