David,
Thanks for the valued response!
Cheers,
g

On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 2:28 PM David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:

>
>
> On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 1:12 PM Gabriel Hourtouat <ghourtouat@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Found a coolant leak in the hose that connects the T-stat to the
>> Distributor Tower.
>>
>> https://www.gowesty.com/product/hoses/18816/coolant-hose-thermostat-housing-to-distribution-tower-?v=
>>
>> Looks like it might be a bit tricky to make the connection to the
>> distributor tower.  Is that the case?  Any tips?
>>
>
> I don't recall there being any particular difficulty.  You'll need a set
> of hose clamp pliers intended for flat band spring clamps to work with the
> factory clamps.  Some people like the cable operated type, but I prefer the
> pliers type and have been able to reach everything I've needed to so far.
>
> Some people also replace the factory clamps with the screw type.  This is
> a poor idea as the factory ones are self-compensating for rubber shrinkage
> etc.
>
>>
>> The leak is suspiciously close to where work was done to replace my oil
>> leak last month.  Did the leak happen because the hose is old and couldn't
>> handle being bumped and pushed around?
>>
>
> Possibly but much more likely it was simply its time.
>
>>
>> Am I going to hasten many other leaks by fixing this one?
>>
>
> The likeliest problem would be having the coolant tower break -- if it's
> an original it's well past the time of anticipated failure.
>
>
>>
>> Would rescue tape work for a few years and prevent me from causing new
>> problems in the immediate future?
>>
>
> It could, depending on where the leak is.  But it's difficult to apply
> properly without good access and a clean dry hose.  Beside the road, sure.
> At home, makes much more sense to replace the hose.
>
>
>> All I need at present is one hose ($14.95).  Should I change all of the
>> coolant system ($944, if I am not mistaken)?  If I don't change all of the
>> system, what would be the smartest items to replace?
>>
>
> Depends how old they are.  If they're from '86, any or all, and any
> plastic cooling parts (distributor housing, nipple on right head to the
> bleed manifold that runs around the hatch, tower, bleed manifold unless
> it's metal) are past due for replacement.
>
> Aside from shipping costs, the more you replace at one time, the fewer
> times you have to drain and refill the system.  Depends whether time/money
> or peace of mind are more important to you in the moment.
>
> I had four coolant leaks in three months when I put my present '89 on the
> road.  I took the hint.
>
> Yrs,
> d
>
>
>>
>> Weak in the knees,
>> Gabby
>> 1986 WBX Westy
>>
>