Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Coolant pipe *REPAIR* kit, was: Coolant pipe kit and distributor kit from GoWesty
From:John Bange
Date:Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:26:37 -0700

> Does the Bentley have an illustration of these inserts? �I'm having trouble visualizing what you all are talking about. �Are they just sleeves that fit into the ends of the plastic tubes to reinforce them at the clamping points? �Why do they slide out?

The inserts are corrugated and the plastic is molded onto it. My
theory is this: Pressure from the hot cooling system causes the
clamped hose to pull against the lip at the end of the pipe. The metal
insert is supposed to help spread the strain, but the plastic gets
soft... it cracks behind the lip, and the steel insert loses its grip
on the now softened plastic.... and millimeter by millimeter it works
its way out...

-- 
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"