Replacing every coolant line

[Yellow Rabbit]

I'm thinking about replacing all of the coolant lines on my 1.9. What else should be done at the same time? My van has the long steel lines to the front. They seem ok, but are they prone to failure? I suppose I should replace the H pipe too. What else?

Where's the best place to get a full hose set without breaking the bank?

[Vanagon Nut]

There should be info in the archives here re: your questions but fwiw....

I painted a set of used 1.9 steel long pipes and used them in my '81. 2 or 3 coats of POR-15 then top coat with tremclad or some such. They are holding up fine after 5+ years. Image below shows worst pitting I saw at pipes.

If you decide to keep some of the steel hoses at engine, maybe consider using Zero Rust rust paint. I just did this with the engine bay coolant pipes on my 2.1 Untested as of yet but according to Zero Rust, that paint can withstand some higher temps.

Neil.

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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[SCM]

I would upgrade the plastic coolant manifold and plastic thermostat housing with stainless/aluminum versions for some relatively cheap peace of mind.

It's also a great time to replace the radiator for just a couple hundred $ more. It may seem expensive but once you're finished with the project it sure feels good to know that EVERYTHING was replaced. Be sure to inspect any other original metal pipes too.

I think I got most of my hoses from Van Cafe and a few oddballs (I have an auto transmission) from GoWesty.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine

[Yellow Rabbit]

Would a radiator need to be replaced more so from mileage or time? My van doesn't have a lot of miles but it sat for quite a while.

[dobryan]

[dhaavers]

[SCM]

[Yellow Rabbit]

You lucky ones with the extra HP.

[dhaavers]

Although you could certainly upgrade to a billet t'stat cover:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23591&category_id=79&category_parent_id=
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[morymob]

Syncro came out in 86 also had 2.1 eng, thst housing plastic sttting top left of hd, 1.9 is alum sits lower left of water pump, totally diff psrts.

[vanagonjon]

If it is an auto, consider using the FAS transmission cooler and swap over to the manual transmission type cooling circuit while you are at it. I have not had a 1.9 for a long time so don't recall all of the differences. I am doing up a new to me 2.1 and changing everything possible in the cooling system. Some of the hoses to the vent ring were rock hard.

John

[dhaavers]

[Westified]

I just got done replacing all my coolant lines with the Van-Café kit and exterior heater hoses. I have previously removed my rear heater (not needed in Miami). I did not replace the two long metal coolant pipes since they were in good shape. I replaced my H pipe with a metal one and the bottom coolant pipe at the rear of the engine with a stainless steel pipe (BusDepot I believe) along with a new water pump. My mechanic kept saying my radiator is fine so I left the original in. Hopefully that is a good decision. I do flush the radiator regularly and have only 58,000 miles on my Westy which is garage kept. You will need to order the adapter kit (4 small adapter hoses) for the 1.25" long coolant pipe hoses since the later model pipes are 1.5".
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1984 Westy Wolfsburg, owned since 1987. FAS 2.0 NA engine conversion in 2022.