I was working with these clamps last week and discovered a tool that makes
it easy to remove them.  After months of pliers, $24 at Sears has made
removing these clamps much easier.  :-)

Randy

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Scott Daniel - Turbovans
Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Coolant leak from coolant tank

speaking of hose clamps.......those springy type original ones ........
besides being a hazard almost to remove or install, I've seen where they
just don't squeeze hard enough anymore, not that the clamps get weak, but
that corrosion has built up under the hose ( especially on aluminum hose
connections ) .
  Nice repair there is to replace those springy ones with really good
preferably german screw type hose clamps,  at any opportunity or reason.
And clean that corrosion of course.

a few spots to be watchful about -
the T fittings on the heater hoses for the rear heater .........the metal
ones rust and can be a problem eventually, and the later plastic type - ,
sometimes those just crumble.
but we love our vans !

----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Sullivan" <sandwichhead@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 9:19 AM
Subject: Re: Coolant leak from coolant tank

> How much did you lose?  Check the hose clamps to the overflow and the main
> tank.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL AT 'Gringo'
> 73 Beetle
>
>
> On Sun, Jul 26, 2009 at 11:02 AM, Bernie <berniej@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I just got back from a little trip and noticed that I have a slow coolant
>> leakthat is coming from the coolant tank.
>> When I got under the bus there was a little steam coming from engine as
>> well.
>> It's an 85 and the head gasket has never been done.
>> How serious does this sound boys?
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bernie
>> Vancouver
>>