if the thermostat housing looks brand new, then they likely replaced it,
which requires messing with that short hose.

The large end of that hose is not 'stretched' over the larger t-stat housing
on one end. The hose is molded or built that way ......bigger on one end.
Very clever of VW to do that on many of their  hoses............so straight
generic hose can't work, and you have to buy the 'real' right part.

that hose is still available. ..........shouldn't be too hard to find.
I'd get rid of those springy type hose clamps on it ( if still there )
...........and use high quality, preferably german screw type hose clamps
going back together.
I vaguely remember that that hose is a bit of curse job to replace, even
though it looks like it would be pretty easy to replace.
Don't use amercian style screw hose clamps with sharp edges .........that
sharp edge digs into the hose when well tightened. Good screw type hose
clamps have slightly curled up edges to prevent that.
have fun !
Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Anthony Egeln" <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:14 PM
Subject: Two Inch Coolant Hose

Hi List,

On my '89 Syncro wasserboxer, there is a two or so inch coolant hose that
goes from just under the thermostat housing (at least I think it is the
thermo housing) and goes aft to connect with a metal coolant line. This
short piece of hose is leaking right where it attaches to the thermo
housing.

It is odd because on the aft end it is hooked to an about 1/2 inch metal
line, but then stretches out over a much bigger port (3/4 or so) on the
thermo housing end.

I had a whole bunch of work done by my local VW experts last week and one of
the tasks was to flush the coolant and replace the thermostat. Is it
possible they replaced the thermostat housing (looks new) and forced the 2
inch piece on to the wrong thermo housing? Or does it sound just like a bad
piece of hose that must be replaced.

We're getting into the Florida summer, so this is important to fix quick
even though the leak is small now.

Thanks a lot,

Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)