At 08:09 PM 5/31/98 -0500, Mark B. Magee wrote:
>Agreed, maintenance is critical: Riddle me this, should we ever
>consider, at some point (time/mileage) consider replacing all
>wasserboxer coolant hoses. I understand that they are much higher
>quality than that of the American steel of late, and that all new hoses
>cost around $600 USD's. When one goes, should should the rest "go", that
>is get replaced? I have been researching/pondering this for some time
>and any experience/feedback appreciated.
>BTW: I have 2x $600 USD's potential jobs.
>Almost forgot, what of pressurized coolant tank, should it be expected
>to fail at a certain point.
>Please don't throw in heater cores, valves, radiators etc in this mix,
>that might blow -my- headgasket (my budget of course!).

I had originally planned to replace all my coolant hoses this summer. My van
is now 11 years old and I figured this would be good preventative
maintainence. After inspecting the hoses closely though I've changed my
mind. The hoses appear to be in excellent condition. I did replace some of
the small hoses that run around the top of the engine compartment as they
were starting to look a bit rotten. I'll keep a close eye on the other hoses
and will replace them (probably all of them at once) when I notice any weakness.

-Mark McCulley
87 syncro Westfalia