The plastic is not discolored, split, or cracked. There is only one that the
steel insert has pushed out of, and it's the one that goes into the
radiator.  The GW kit does use spring clamps on the plastic tubes, but I'm
only going to replace that one for now, and save the other three for when we
do the engine conversion.

Not ready for $300 replacement pipes, not to mention dropping the gas tank
(again)!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dennis Haynes
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 2:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: More leaks

Having to over tighten those clamps is a symptom, the pipe ends fail from
the plastic hardening and then the sleeve corroding. This is usually an
effect from a previous over heating episode. If the pipes are discolored
time to change them. If on the East Coast Bus Depot may be able to get you
the pipes sooner and often at a better price. The factory in later years
went to spring type clamps for most of the hose on plastic part connections.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2016 12:34 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: More leaks

Pressure testing my son's '87 cooling system not only revealed head gasket
leaks, but a big leak at one of the plastic pipes to the radiator.  I can
see that this is the problem:
http://www.gowesty.com/tech-article-details.php?id=73

It looks like the PO tightened a hose clamp so tight the plastic pipe is
deformed, but I'm thinking that judicious application of heat will soften it
and let me tap the steel sleeve back in.

Has anyone on the list had any experience installing this kit?:
http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=Vanagon
<http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=Vanagon&id=3643&type=Mechanica
l> &id=3643&type=Mechanical

It seems like it should be preventive maintenance for all '86-'91 vans.

Stuart