I did replace the radiator in July,replaced the plastic pipes with
stainless,replaced the plastic t's to the rear heater with stainless ones
and replaced all the heater hoses with a heavy duty heater hose. I still
need to replace the front heater core as it has a very small leak. Nothing
that can be seen but if you use the heat for the first time after a period
of no use it smells slightly sweet. I have been waiting to see if someone
comes up with a stash of front cores (like Busdepot) or worse case I will
buy one from Terry K. I have seen the ones he had made up and they are real
nice and fit well. They are still expensive but not as pricey as the ones
Ken had made up. (no offense Ken I do appreciate that you took the time to
have it done)  I'm still not sure if I am going to remove the rear heater
yet as it does heat up the van nice. I think once I move the propex  into
the watertank cabinet area I will be more inclined to leave the rear heater
in. I put the propex under the rear seat for now but hate the space it takes
up. I do love the heat it puts out though. Nothing like waking up to a warm
van in the morning.

Bill

On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:41 AM, Luke Bakken <luke.bakken@gmail.com> wrote:

> > trailer. I have a brand new Zetec motor sitting in the garage and plan to
> > sell the rebuilt 2.1.
>
> > My biggest fear is having a hose burst with the
> > miles of hoses that a stock motor has. The Zetec is like looking at an
> old
> > Ford with just
> > a couple readily avialable hoses
>
> It's not just the hoses to and from the engine that can burst - heater
> hoses and the long radiator pipes and connecting hoses can all fail
> (http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=975). Be sure to check
> the plastic coolant pipe ends and replace all your heater and radiator
> hose as well. If you have the original radiator it would be a good
> time to replace it as well.
>
> I replaced everything this summer and put in stainless pipes to
> replace the plastic ones and have much more peace of mind for it (I
> have a subie in my van). You can also use it as an opportunity to
> re-route the crazy heater outlet line - the one with all the custom
> bends in it (at least, all the crazy bends on a syncro).
>