Coolant pipe holed!

[Walrus]

Hi all!

I've got a little problem with TVFKAB (2.1 MV WBX). A little metal 'D' shaped pipe by the water pump has got a hole in it and wee'd coolant all over my driveway.

I've looked in the manuals and though I can find a picture of it its not labeled as anything specific. Does this mean I can replace it with some suitable length/diameter pipe of my own choosing, like s/s or copper? Pic of the offending item below.

Rusty pipe.JPG

[CovKid]

Don't see why not. I know I would.

By the way, my suggestion of using ordinary washing machine inlet feed hose to replace worn brake servo pipe connecting to engine inlet manifold works great. I mention it because I;ve given a thorough testing this week on lengthy motorway journeys.

[Walrus]

I asked a mate to see if he can make one for me out of s/s but hes still thinking about it... so I ordered one from SyncroSpares. It arrived yesterday and while it looks solid it also looks 2nd hand, so I I'll fit this one for now but might still hold out for the s/s one!

Thanks for the advice!

[Ian Hulley]

so I ordered one from SyncroSpares. It arrived yesterday and while it looks solid it also looks 2nd hand,

It will be, it was probably discontinued by VW before they finished making the kin vans S/S is fine but I've been told introducing copper into the cooling system is inviting weird reactions (?) Not as weird as running out of coolant though

Ian.

[Aidan]

pipe was still available new from vw last time I looked or from germany, but flex hose workaround is common just ensure that the pipe is tied down and can't get pulled into fan belt.
the one on your van that has failed was the original one, wire brushed and painted about 5 years ago.

[Walrus]

It looks like the pipe rusted from the inside - the coolant is (was) an interesting shade of brown in the pressure tank! So going to take the opportunity to flush and refill with new stuff - will go to VW for the antifreeze.

[toomanytoys]

Flush the system and use a good brand one like "Comma"... the costly VW stuff isnt really required and wont fix any corrosion thats in there...
There is 17 odd L of the stuff in there.. so one of the Comma ones is a cheaper way as its diluted 50/50 to give -36c protection...