OK Vanagon Volks...

     I affected repairs to the fuel rail caps by making my own rendition of
     a v-band clamp normally used to hold larger flanges together.

     After making the repairs, I checked things over one more time, held my
     breath, turned the ignition key, and vvvrrroooom!!! It started right
     up! I backed it out of the woods and onto the the driveway where it
     would be easier to inspect the undercarriage for leaks. No leaks. Took
     it for a four-mile spin to test its road-worthiness (this during a
     sleet/freezing-rain storm) all systems looked good - and the heat
     works!.

     After parking and idling it for another few minutes, I shut her down.
     What's that hissing sound? Looking underneath the van I found two
     1-1/2" metal pipes running from coolant hoses in the engine
     compartment forward to the radiator. The high spot of one of the pipes
     just behind the engine compartment had rusted through the top. I'm
     wondering if the mechanic that diagnosed the coolant leak on the
     cylinder head didn't mistake this leak for that one...good news for me
     if that's the case!

     It is my intention, at this time, to buy a chunk of radiator hose the
     same size as the tube, cut out the bad section & band clamp the rubber
     hose in place. Is this an accepted repair? Can I leave it that way or
     should I weld a new section in? Is this a dealer replacement part only
     or can I buy it through third-party sources? And lastly, what is the
     technical term for the steel pipes running the length of the van? I
     noticed that there are two rubber hoses running the length with them
     which I assume go to the heater core.

     Another question...how do you get to the bleed screw on top of the
     radiator in order to bleed the air out of the system? I can't see any
     way to get my hand, let alone a tool up in there. Also, is it located
     on the drivers side, or the passengers?

     Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I would like to drive her the
     60 miles home on Sunday.

     Michael

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