Some other solutions for the 2.1 here -

http://www.vanagonauts.com/files/VWtoNapaHoses.html

Angus

Angus Gordon
Bainbridge Island WA

birdworks@gmail.com

On Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 1:05 PM, Greg Potts <greg@pottsfamily.ca> wrote:

> 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
>