Hello Listers,

Vehicle:  1987 Syncro, 121K Mi.

 Weather's nice, so it's time to get the Syncro out and prepare for some
fun.  That being said, I've a coolant leak.  There is a wet coolant on
the heater hose at the rear, immediately over the RR axle.  The leak is
either at the very end of the hose where it couples to the "Distribution
Unit" (See Bentley, page 19.11, diagram 19-427).  It is not readily
apparent which component is leaking.

Question 1: Is the "Distribution Unit" sufficiently trouble prone to
justify more extensive diagnostics, or would one proceed on the
assumption that the hose is at fault.

Question 2:  The heater hoses feel soft, and have never been replaced.
What is the list's collective list experience with the lifetime of
Vanagon heater hoses.

Question 3:  I am thinking about replacing all of the heater hoses.  I'd
appreciate recommendations for "kits" from any of the list vendors which
are complete, with good quality components.  I reviewed the archives,
and understand that there are some nuances to the heater hose sizes that
encourage me to want to purchase a complete kit, if possible.

Question 4:  A couple of years ago, I had a leak from one of the
itty-bitty coolant hoses at the oil cooler.  I've replaced both of
these.  Given that one of these failed, and now the heater hose(s) are
suspect, should I be thinking about replacing the big coolant hoses
too?  They are not nearly as soft as the heater hose(s), but pretty pliable.

--

*Best Regards,
Jon B Kanas
Home: 303-678-0658
Mobile: 303-746-1785
Email: kanas@qadas.com <mailto:kanas@qadas.com>
Website: http://www.qadas.com/~kanas <http://www.qadas.com/%7Ekanas>
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