That was my idea for Rocket.  I had one that cracked after about two years on my '84.   I think it might have gotten hit by road debris being under the vehicle, that's why I recommend metal replacement.  I made one out of 1/2" copper pipe that time, but this time I'm making it out of brass parts from Home Depot.  A 1/2"  threaded tee, two barb connectors, a nipple and a male hose thread.  I can't find any brass caps, only plastic, so I'll carry a spare and just change it every couple of years, or maybe every five years when I change the coolant.  Be sure to suspend it with the cap up using zip ties.

Stuart
'85 Westy

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of David_Vickery
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 10:38 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: About that coolant drain tee

I can't see why they wouldn't last, that is what they are made for.  I had one in my car for a long time.

Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>Last month I replaced the radiator on our '84 and did the best I could 
>to drain out all the old coolant. To do so, I installed a Prestone 
>drain tee in one of the heater hoses. It was mentioned here that those 
>plastic tees don't last very long so I'd like to replace it with 
>something more substantial. Does anyone have a recommendation for a 
>durable plastic or nice metal drain tee that will fit the heater hose? 
>It appears to take a 5/8'' fitting.
>--
>Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
>Bend, Ore.