If you're not looking to do a complete coolant change then begin by disconnecting the hose from the pressure tank to the water pump inlet. Then remove the bolts holding that pipe to the water pump and disconnect the small oil cooler hoe from the pump. Coolant will rush out of the pipe and pump opening. Tilt the pipe down and more coolant will flow out. Then remove the bolts holding the crossover pipe from the bottom of the pump. This will pretty much drain the pump chamber. 

Loosen the nut holding the oil cooler in place. Slide down just a bit. You should now be able to remove the three nuts holding the pump. A short 13mm socket on a 3" wobble extension should help get that bottom one off. You should then be able to remove the pump. You will have to pry that pipe down enough to tilt the pump and get it clear of the studs. You may want to replace the hose on the other side of the pulley. 
Remove the 6mm (10mm head) bolt the holds the other oil cooler pipe to the head. With the pump out you should be able to manage replacing both of those hoses. Finish removing the cooler and replace that oil O-ring. Use good clamps, spring or crimp. For the hose that connects to the oil cooler feed you will find that it is likely the wrong size for that pipe. It is a loose fit. Install shrink tube on the pipe and the fit will be perfect. 

Carefully check the water pump pipe for corrosion especially near the heater return fitting. This piece likes to leak or even break off. 

You can do most of this job from above. Replace the Allen socket screws and washers preferably with stainless. 

Dennis

   

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 11:31 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Coolant Drain - 2.1 L

I need to drain some/all coolant in order to replace hoses on oil cooler and coolant pump. From a practical do-it-yourself point of view (picture laying on your back under the van in the slightly slanted driveway) what would be the best approach. Can't move the vehicle from where it sits.

John