That would be the water pump inlet pipe. It is common for them to rust
out. It also indicates time for thorough coolant system and other pipe
inspection. You didn't drive it home that way? The replacement is fairly
straight forward. Two hoses and a 2 bolt flange at the pump. You need the
pipe and the o-ring at the pump.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Karen Gritis
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:30 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Heater pipe

Hi all:

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.

Thanks for any help.
Karen