On  2 Jun 98 at 8:14, Mark McCulley wrote:

> 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

Agreed - VW hoses are certainly very good quality. Most of the major hoses are
original on my Westy, and my Jetta which is nearing 400,000km, has only had one
hose replaced, where it got soft from engine flexing. Provided the coolant is
clean (no oil) and replaced often, 10 years seems to be no problem for most of
the hoses.

========================
Shawn Wright
Computer Systems Manager
Shawnigan Lake School
250-743-6240
swright@sls.bc.ca