Coolant pipe leaks

[aahridey]

Hi,

I have a 1984 T25 ,originally a 1.9 petrol which has had a 1.6 td engine fitted from a 1988 Passat at some point in the past.

It's currently with a local mechanic who has replaced the clutch and is going to MOT it. He has found a coolant leak which he has said appears to be coming from behind the fuel tank. I guess this is one of the pipes that runs from the engine to the heater matrix. He's not a VW specialist so I said i'd try to get some info for him....

Where could I find replacement pipes? I've had a look around on this forum and on parts websites but have found it a bit bewildering....

Does anyone know which pipes i'd be looking for and where to get them? Stainless, plastic, rubber, which are best (or cheapest) and easiest to fit? Does the fuel tank need to be dropped out to complete the job? Not sure whether i'd need to buy the pipes for a 1.9 petrol version or a 1.6 diesel?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I just want to get back out camping asap so need to keep the costs to a minimum!!!

Many thanks, Mark

[Cruz]

There are 4 pipes. Two small rubber pipes that go to the heater matrix and 2 larger metal (early) or plastic (late) pipes that go to the rad.

brickwerks sell stainless replacements for the rad pipes whereas the heater matrix pipes are just standard 5/8" hose iirc

[aahridey]

Thanks for the quick reply! I guess it's likely that it's the 29 year old metal pipes that have rotted out then.... Any idea which type i'd be looking to order? i'm guessing it would be for the 1.9 petrol as these are the original pipes that are still fitted?
Cheers, Mark

[aahridey]

....i've also seen that a couple of people are selling full length rubber hoses on ebay. Are these suitable for the job but easier to fit due to their flexibility?

Cheers, Mark

[Twffr]

Having similar setup to you (DG replaced with a diesel) I've just replaced those pipes with stainless from Brickwerks. I used same bore as originals - it seems large enough and I didn't have to worry about changing other hoses nor enlarging the bulkhead cutouts (front right of engine bay).

I didn't remove the fuel tank but wish I had. Took me ages and ages! However, I believe removing the tank has it's own set of problems (which I've yet to experience). The Joy of T25......