In a message dated 26/08/2008 10:08:09 P.M. Central Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

        Karen, this is a very  common occurrence.  That coolant pipe (NOT
heater pipe) is ALWAYS rusting  through, that's why I offer them in the _POR-15_
(http://www.por15.com/)  version.  It's not that complicated  to change out.
You will need the O-ring for the connection at the water  pump.  The two hex
headed bolts should be replaced with stainless steel  ones.  you will need a
good pair of spring clamp pliers to remove the  spring clamps.  Do not replace
them with screw clamps as the spring type  are better.  To get at the two hex
headed bolts, a ratchet with a long  extension and a socket head key are
required.  Use Loctight Ultra Grey  Silicon sealant on the O-ring to keep it in
place while you get the pipe back in  there.  The parts you need are here on my
_Vanagon Items Forsale_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)  "Cooling
System" webpage >

Coolant pipe, pump to T-stat housing,  '86 ~ '91, 1458, 025 121  081G  -
$99.95
OR
Coolant pipe, pump to T-stat housing, POR-15ed, '86 ~ '91, 1458,  025 121
081G  - $125.00
Stainless Steel hex socket bolt w/flat & lock washer for coolant pipe  025
121 081G, M8 x 25mm  - $1.25 - two needed
O-ring gasket for 025  121 081G, 030 121 119  - $2.87

Good time to flush out the coolant system and refill with new Phosphate  free
coolant.

>>>>>>>>>>>My 91 non gl passed  Northern Virginia emissions inspections and
the state safety inspection with  flying colors. It was somewhat of a shock
since it's been off of the road for  over a year, parked in the driveway.

So, I was thrilled and started  driving it again after an oil change.
Everything was going well until  today.  I went to Borders and as I got out of the
van, noticed that  antifreeze smell.  Looked near the left rear tire and
antifreeze was  pouring out of the van, until it was totally emptied of fluid.

We were  poking around and noticed that the pipe that goes from the water
pump to . .  .not sure where was rusted through in a large area.  When we poked
further, noticed that it seemed to be very near to rusted through all along
the bottom of this pipe (heater hose?).  Is this making sense?  What  is that
pipe and how complicated is the repair?  Should I have it towed  to the shop?
The dealership happens to be right across the street from  Borders.  My
husband's pretty handy, is this fairly  straightforward?

I just don't want him to get all bogged down in some  sort of convoluted
repair.<<<<<<<<<<<<

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/exhaust.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15,  2008