Hi Volks,

I took my 87 wolfsburg out for a shakedown cruise last night; just a
short jaunt about 12 minutes down the highway from home. It ran great
for the first 8 or 9 minutes, then I happened to notice a spray of water
and stream behind me. A glance at the temp gauge said that it must be a
small leak, and I was able to get to my destination without overheating
or lighting the coolant sensor level light.

On arrival I unloaded the rear compartment and had a look inside. The
coolant line between #1 cylinder and the rad return line had ruptured,
with a small hole on the inside radius of one of the bends. Nothing I
could do about that. I let the van cool down, refilled the tanks and
nursed it home without incident. Ok, I did have to refill the tanks
about two miles from home but that was not a big deal.

This morning I pulled the hose off and found a VW part number on it. I
typed the number into Google and discovered that it's not easy to come
by. Frank Condelli's site lists it as part of the Boston Engine coolany
hose kit, for $326. Ouch! Another site lists it as "limited availability
and 6-21 days delivery. Double Ouch.

Normally I'd call Frank and discuss my options but I know he's off
camping in Quebec so I set off to my local FLAPS to see what could be
done on a Sunday. The dude behind the counter at PartsSource takes my
hose off to the back room and comes back a short time later with a
Prestone heater core hose # 84031. It's about 6" too long at one end and
1" too long at the other, but the important part is the bends in the
middle and those are near perfect. For $14 it's mine and I'm on my way.

I posted pics of the hose in question here:
http://www.pottsfamily.ca/Vanagon/VanagonCoolinghoseSubstitution/

Has anyone else documented similar subsitutions? As these parts get
older and spares get rarer this is useful info to have.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca