1.  Absolutely flush & replace coolant.  2 years is about how long you
should go between flushings anyway.

2.  It's gotta be VW Blue.  They'll nail you for $19.00/gallon, but you're
buying time before the inevitable cylinder head repair.  The cylinder heads
are aluminum and prone to pitting if you don't use the good stuff.  Pitting
means lots of $$$ and time.

3.  Check your Bentley's.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, run,
don't walk, to your nearest VW parts shop and get the Bentley's shop repair
manual for your bus.  I own it and so, I believe, do most other folks who
frequent the list.  It's totally indispensable.  It'll run you around $70.
The manual will address the need for sealant.

4.  While you're in the neighborhood you should go ahead and replace them
all if you have the wherewithal to do so.  You're looking at 22-year-old
hoses and they're going to go sometime soon anyway.

Welcome to the list!

Cecil
'85 Westy Wolfie "Der BrotKasten"

Hello All -

This is my first ever post, so I hope I get it right.  I'm installing a
new water pump this weekend and I have the following questions:

1.      Should I flush out & replace the existing coolant? It was done
last at the shop about 2 1/2 years & 10,000 miles ago.

2.      What brand of coolant should I buy? All I've ever heard is low
phosphate, but I've never heard any specific brand names.

3.      Should I use gasket sealer on the water pump O-Ring? I saw
Permatex Ultra Copper listed.

4.      I'm changing several of the hoses while I'm I there, except the
long ones going to the bleeder valve. These are still original, but they
look OK. Do I need to worry about these?

Thank You,

Walter

1985 Vanagon 1.9L