In a message dated 2/13/05 11:51:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA writes:

> Subj:Steel coolant line patching
> Date:2/13/05 11:51:22 PM Eastern Standard Time
> From:swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA
> To:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent from the Internet
>
>
>
> While wresting with the tranny fill plug (82 Diesel Westy), I managed to
> disturb the metal coolant pipes enough to start a leak. I noticed they were
> wet before, and had them on my list of things to check, but at the rate it
> is
> now dripping, they just moved up the list!
> It appears the O.D of the steel pipe is about 1.25", so I'm looking for
> 1.25"
> I.D. coolant hose I assume. The leak is at the low point just behind the
> rear
> frame cross member. I was considering replacing about 2 feet of each
> pipe, which includes where they bend around the crossmember. Is there a
> concern of the hoses collapsing at his point? Should I consider finding a
> 1.25" hose with a bend in it perhaps? It looks like I should be able to make
> a sweeping bend I think.
> Is it necessary to make a flange on the end of the steel pipe to hold the
> hose?
>
> Thanks.
>
> --
> Shawn Wright
> I.T. Manager
> Shawnigan Lake School
>

why re-invent the wheel?  i bought the Stainess Steel replacement repair
sections from Terry Kay a few yrs ago..TK makes them for this very purpose to
splice into the rusted sections of metal coolant pipes on the 81-85 wbx and diesel
vanagons. . they are pre cut, preformed mandrel bent and come with  SS
hoseclamps and vibration buffers and HD tiewraps.   im pleased with them.. very high
quality SS piping,  tho i would reccomend welding on a bead at the perimeter
of each pipe end to hold the hoseclamps.
i CC'd this to TK, so check the headers for his email
addy.(ctonline@webtv.net)

no affiliation, just a happy customer.
chris