I used a marine hose to replace one steel line on my '82 westy.  The
"challenges" were:

- the rubber hose has a larger OD, therefore its difficult, if not
impossible, to follow the same routing as stock
- installing it without the benefit of a lift is a wrist and finger
tiring experience. Wrestling that size hose is awkward.
- requires more support strapping or whatever, to keep it in position
under the van

apart from that, the rubber hose worked out well. I'd be inclined to
do same if I have to replace the lines in my syncro. And it was less
expensive that the other options at the time. Around here (victoria
BC), there are a couple of sources for such hose, (despite how it
seems sometimes, there is still a logging and fishing industry here).

I can't sa for sure the hydraulic hose would work, but I'm guessing if
the temp and pressure requirements are met, then its ok, right?

alistair

On 8-Mar-11, at 8:28 AM, Gregg Carlen wrote:

> In regards to marine coolant lines as a replacement, I've used re-
> inforced hydraulic hoses (from a tractor/farm supply store) on my
> boat's diesel engine. Don't see why these wouldn't be a good
> replacement for the van's coolant lines (altough might be too pricey
> for a diameter that's big enough). Thoughts?
>
> Gregg