I have a 3/8" internal pipe wrench that works perfectly, makes this job a cinch. Perhaps mine is an anomaly?

Angus

On Dec 6, 2011, at 3:17 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> If replacing the cooler then plan to replace the two hoses going to it. They
> are a bit fragile and are a real bear to replace road side and to get when
> needed. Note that they are two different hoses.
> The oil filter nipple is not a standard pipe size. It is a challenge to find
> an internal pipe wrench that fits. Get a second nut and use the two nuts
> tightened together method to get it out. Note that this can be a tight fit
> and difficult to get loosened.
> 
> If you know your radiator is leaking and you have the replacement replace it
> now. Counter intuitive but regular additions of coolant is not a good thing.
> If the system can't maintain pressure cylinder and stud erosion can occur.
> Also, as coolant leaks out the minerals from tap water and other nasty's
> remain in. As you add new coolant you also add more dissolved O2. Deposits
> and excess corrosion is the result. Fix the leaks ASAP.
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Tim Englund
> Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 12:59 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Replacing Oil Cooler O-ring
> 
> Hello List,
> 
> First of all, thanks for all the good advice on the fuel line leak I found
> the other day while trying to solve my auxiliary power problem.
> I replaced most of the fuel lines this past weekend (all except the one from
> the tank to the pump - I'll wait until the tank is almost empty before I do
> that one.)
> 
> Now I'm on to the next problem - a leaky oil cooler o-ring. My question is
> this: to get to the o-ring, It looks like I need to either remove the two
> coolant tubes or I need to remove the tube the oil filter screws onto. Since
> I happen to have a brand new oil cooler, I'd prefer to remove the coolant
> tubes and replace the whole thing, but I'm wondering just how much coolant
> is going to be gushing out. Is it gallons or just a few quarts? In other
> words, if I use a bucket to catch it, will one bucket be enough? I'm not
> going to be draining the whole system, am I? (Of course the next problem is
> to replace the leaky radiator, but I'm hoping to put that off for a bit.)
> If, on the other hand, I leave the hoses connected and remove the tube, is
> an internal pipe wrench really the right tool? Does the tube have reverse
> threads (righty-loosey)? I would have to buy or borrow such a tool.
> I've searched the internet and spent some time in the list archives, but
> haven't found a definitive answer. So, anybody have any suggestions? Any
> links to step-by-step directions?
> Also, I have no reason to believe that the oil cooler has failed, so is it
> worth it to replace it now?
> 
> Thanks to all!
> Tim Englund
> '89 Westy, Zola
> Ellensburg, WA