Broken Heater Hose - How Do You Think Is Best To Fix It?

[tfelzq]

Alright team - I've come to you a few times during this engine rebuild of this 1980 VW Vanagon aircooled, and I'm back for more. Tonight, when lifting the engine and transmission back onto the frame, we broke this...I'm looking for suggestions on how to fix it.

I'm a novice, so i could be wrong, but I believe it's the connection for the heater.

Below are 3 pictures, each one zoomed out from the previous. My plan was to use the silver duct tape as is used in actual duct work. I'm sure that you will have a better idea..

What do you guys think is the best way to fix?

[vwwestyman]

You might have decent luck for a while with duct tape if you clean up the plastic very well prior to taping it up.

But probably the best fix would be to just get a used one from the classifieds.
_________________
Dave Cook

President, Wild Westerner Club

1978 Champagne Edition Westy, repowered to '97 Jetta TDI
1973 Wild Westerner
My Thing

[dhaavers]

Full disclosure: I'm not an AC guy, but that looks like a great candidate for full replacement.
If you do the duct tape treatment, I must recommend 3M CLEAR...in my experience, much
more heat resistant & much less adhesive residue if/when it needs to be removed...

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[61Scout]

In my experience, regular adhesive backed tapes don't last long in an engine compartment environment. I think silicone tape would be the best option as far as repair goes. Replacement would be the best option overall however.

-Kevin
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=

-Nec Spe, Nec Metu

[Wildthings]

A good used tubes would be the best way to go. From my experience the aftermarket tubes tend to melt through though there may be good brands out there. Don't think there are major differences between Bay tubes and Vanagon tubes except maybe for the length and it is easy enough to take a longer tube and shorten it.

Air preheat hose will work in a pinch but doesn't hold up well to abuse. You can also get silicone hoses from small aircraft parts houses. Remember to check the condition of the silicone gaskets that fit inside the ends of the tubes before ordering parts.

[dhaavers]

[dobryan]