I'd be reluctant to use gear clamps on this application. I think t bolt clamps would be better.

Alistair 

> On May 14, 2017, at 9:24 AM, Dick Wong <sailingfc@DSLEXTREME.COM> wrote:
> 
> I have not installed my coolant pipes personally.  They are two piece and
> they came with the van (Syncro).
> 
> One observation I have with the two piece, is the center hoses with two hose
> clamps each, is a point of failure.
> 
> I was losing a small amount of coolant, topping off every two months or so.
> One day while underneath, greasing the shifter bushings, I noticed a single
> drop of coolant on the connector hose.  I got out my screwdriver to tighten
> it and "CLICK", the worm screw stripped out.  Then the drips really started.
> I replaced all four clamps and all is good now.
> 
> Examining the hose clamps, the worm threads had corroded and when I went to
> tighten it, it slipped.
> 
> I don't know how difficult the one piece pipes are to install versus the two
> piece pipes, but it's something to consider.  In my case, I have no belly
> tank to deal with.
> 
> Good Luck!
> 
> -Dick-
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dennis Haynes
> Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2017 6:47 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Steel coolant pipe removal?
> 
> Really depends if that one clamp over the tank is still in place. There were
> two different diameter pipe set ups used. If going the new pipe route go for
> the 86 and later set up. You may have to open  the holes over the tank to
> make some more room. This gets you onto the later hoses front-rear also. For
> folks keeping the water boxer in the85 and earlier vans I try hard to push
> for the change to later cooling system and exhaust. If you're doing the work
> and spending money anyway try to get the most benefit. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Stuart MacMillan
> Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2017 8:49 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Steel coolant pipe removal?
> 
> Can these pipes be removed without dropping the gas tank? And can the SS
> pipes be installed as well that way? Engine and tranny are out, and I'm
> prepping for the conversion.
> 
> 
> 
> The pipes in my '85 are not rusty, but one of them is flattened for about 4"
> to an oval that's ½" by 2", rather than the 1 ½" original diameter. One
> surprise after another with these old vans.  A quick calculation says that's
> about a 0.8 sq. in. area for coolant flow vs. the round 2.4 sq. in. area.
> Yikes. Never had an overheating issue, but with my Subaru conversion
> investment I'm going to junk these pipes.
> 
> 
> 
> What's easiest to install, the two piece or full length pipes? I'm thinking
> the full length pipes are better without the extra hose connection, but I
> really don't want to drop that tank (again). 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> 
> 
> Stuart
> 
> 
> 
>