Coolant bleeder assembly 025 121 082 A

[Lanciaman]

Re the appropriately named coolant bleeder, the plastic junction box mounted on the bulkhead in front of the engine, connecting the flow and return pipes to the radiator and in my case two branch lines to the auto transmission, and the two tangential vent connections.
Yes, I snapped off the small diameter vent that is connected to the cross-over pipe (the metal pipe across the engine). And as we probably all know, this plastic part (#025 121 082 A) is no longer available. Haven't been able to find a second-hand one and don't fancy 200 dollars for a shiny aluminum one as the Yanks call it (not a mis-pronounciation - they spell it differently, bless) so my question is this:
If the broken vent is sealed off both at the plastic connector assly and likewise the connecting rubber (fabric sheathed) hose, am I going to get any unforseen trouble?
Engine is drained down at the moment following a rebuild, and I suppose extra mucking about would be needed when venting the cooling system at refill, but is this a lazy but acceptable solution to my broken part?
All contributions appreciated, and advice on sealing off the 'plastic' broken bit would be good. Never had much luck working with modern plastic. What glue works??

[kevtherev]

No engine year posted so....

Do you mean this one?



251 121 438B

or have you got the early engine cooling system (pre 86) ?

[Lanciaman]

sorry, my ignorance

the early type, it's a 1985 van.

Is that better or worse??

[dansimpson]

Re best plastic glue, I always try to use Pipe Weld as used by plumbers.
Mines broken too, but its got the little support lip filed away, and that gives enough to attach (carefully) a pipe to it, havent had any leaks.

[kevtherev]

worse.. sorry
somebody on here manufactured one and it looked OK, short of waiting for the second hand market to show one in stock ..maybe try and make one from some Hose and plastic?

otherwise a trip to a VW show would produce results, Our breaker on here is Billy 739

[Lanciaman]

Hmmm....as I thought, up the creek without a paddle. But thanks for the replies, anyway. I have contacted Billy but not holding out much hope.

[Lanciaman]

Dan - just realised what you are describing - the web under the nozzle. maybe I can file mine back too and get a connection. reckon more hope there than glue. Thanks for the heads-up!!

[Cruz]

Just noticed that Heritage are selling repro early coolant bleed valves (stock expected in 3 weeks) (£32.95)

They are 025-121-082 versions for manual vans

the suffix A versions are for automatics and they are not on sale

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Ble ... try_GB.htm

[Lanciaman]

Just seen your post. I managed to get the small hose on what was left of the nozzle, so happy days. Checked that link, looks like they are sold out already.
Reckon they will have plenty of customers for this part if they get some more. Mine's auto too, just to make matters worse. Oh well...

[Cruz]

Just a heads up that JK now sell the manual version of the bleeder valve too (automatic suffix A valve not available)

http://www.justkampers.com/025-121-082- ... -1985.html