Failed Plastic Coolant Pipes

[crazyvwvanman]

You should have gently heated the metal insert a little with a propane torch, then tapped it back in with a plastic mallet or block of wood and hammer. It can take some heavy pounding sometimes.


Mark

[MsTaboo]

[djkeev]

[Multiman mv]

I totally get trying to save money but my vote is to definitely replace 25 year old plastic with metal. Personally, my goal is to replace every failure prone point on my van so that I'm not stranded on the side of the road, kicking my tires. I know ss pipes are expensive but worth the piece of mind. I look at plastic coolant limes on Vanagons and I wonder what the heck Vw was thinking. I know it's not like replacing a $10 ignition switch but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The $300 is well worth it in my book. With that said, maybe you have parts or issues elsewhere that are more important and maybe the gowesty kit can buy someone some time? If it were me, I'd prioritize saving up for ss lines and never think about it again. Riveting into an old coolant line seems risky. You might as well put a tag on it that says, "tear along dotted line." I admire the effort for sure, but I fear that it will only lead to eventual failure. No disrespect meant whatsoever, I just hope that one doesn't experience a failure because of a rivet. Maybe I'm wrong and you get years of service from that fix. Personally I'd, eliminate all questions or concerns and go ss. I'm orettty sure there isn't a topic on this site concerning failures of ss coolant lines.

[danfromsyr]

from the other thread
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=573959

though I would CERTAINLY %150 replace the plastic coolant junctions in the cooling system.

[16CVs]

While your at it, there are also plactic Tee's and in line joiners else where in the system that need to be addressed.
Once you've bitten the bullet and replaced those pipes, be sure to recheck the hose clamps every couple thousands mile a few times to be sure they are set and you didn't miss anything.
If you plan on driving any van past the city limits, you need to make sure that those inserts are not goinf to walk out on you.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[thestoneroses]

Hi

I've read this and a couple of other interesting threads pertaining to plastic coolant hose inserts, and their associated potential for in-flight loss of all coolant

So whilst mine were accessible, I went to take a look. Only the rears thus far. I was relatively relieved to find that they aren’t (yet) too compromised, though one appears to have started working lose:

So, as a stopgap ahead of replacement with stainless if/when funds permit, and partly because I’m paranoid about losing coolant (long-term aircooled man, new to coolant !) I plan to

i) rivet both inserts in place

ii) double clamp each hose onto the plastic pipe, and then secure the clamps to the body with a zip tie. This will prevent the clamps from moving position and thus hold the hose firmly in place shoudl all else fail.

Any tips or precautions before I go ahead?

I'll take a look at the front asap.

Thanks,
Gareth
_________________
Click to view image

I can feel the earth begin to move, I hear my needle hit the groove, and spiral through another day.

[campism]

[do.dah]

I've had good luck with these.
https://gowesty.com/blogs/article-library/coolant-pipe-repair-kit-for-vanagon

[danfromsyr]

the rivets are sufficient to retain the sleeves into the plastic tubing..
it won't shear the rivet(s)
hose won't migrate out on it's own. unless the lips are gone.

but belt & suspenders are always +1
_________________

[Abscate]

[thestoneroses]

finished the job.

riveted the rear of pipes. two small stainless rivets on each will keep the inserts in check for many more years yet. Double clamped and zipped tied to frame for extra, albeit unnecessary, reassurance !

One of the front inserts had started working free, other was as new. Riveted them both, and again doubled clamped and zipped tied.

Job done, they should comfortably outlive me.

cheers.
_________________
Click to view image

I can feel the earth begin to move, I hear my needle hit the groove, and spiral through another day.