Hello Jimmy;  I had the same problem with my 87GL in May,  It was a small
fracture at the base of one of those pipe nipples that go into that water
distributor.  I managed to slide the hose further onto the pipe, and delay
the inevitable for about 2 weeks, but eventually the nipple broke off.  In
my case it was in my hands as I was trying to cinch the hose clamp up
tight.  All this happened in a public park with a gate that was locked at
8:00 PM.  A friend helped us courier a part up from the nearest VW dealer
on his credit line.  I managed to drive out of there by 7:15 PM.  The
plastic dist. is a lame attempt at saving money on cheaper parts.  The hose
whips that nipple base, weakening it.  I think anyone who keeps their
Vanagon long enough, will end up replacing that Water distributor.  The
major hassle is dealing with the coolant, I needed 2 five gallon pails to
handle it all.  It seems to me that one of the bolt heads is in an awkward
location where you only get 1/16th of a turn with each attempt.  Let us
know if I'm right.   Larry Carter