Metal Coolant Pipe - Pump to thermostat?

[AngeloEvs]

1.9DG 1987. Metal coolant pipe has sprung a leak about half way along so needs replacing (I cannot see that it would be worth attempting some sort of repair). I can only find them listed at JK, they have standard at £60+ and SS types at just over £100. Is it worth getting a SS type and are there any other suppliers worth considering, anything else I need to get such as gaskets, etc?

Looks to be a straightforward job, hope so anyway, only flushed and completely renewed the cooling system 3 weeks ago.....ah well

[Oldiebut goodie]

Is this the same pipe query? https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=160855

[AngeloEvs]

No Oldie, It's the long one fitted on post 86 petrol vans. Goes from the water pump, small outlet to header, then on to the plastic thermostat housing and a smaller branch for another hose.

I just took it out and its fubared. Been in 10 years as it was replaced just before I bought the van back in 2007. Stainless Steel version might be a better buy but Just wondering if anyone has an opinion on JK items regards quality?

I hate those VW spring hose clips, real PITA so I am thinking of using SS jubilee style clips or those that have a double coil band with screw and nut.

[T3luestar]

This one? https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3-parts/e ... nless.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'd definitely get a stainless one, I had to replace the steel one after only 4-5 years.

[itchyfeet]

Yes pay the bit extra for stainless everytime

[kevtherev]

Yes pay the bit extra for stainless everytime

Why stainless when the coolant is full of corrosion inhibitor?

[T3luestar]

Because it rots outside in? Mine both went on the join with the smaller pipe and one also had a hole in the middle of the main pipe.

[boatbuilder]

Yes get stainless... at least it'll be another part of the system that you can have confidence in. I'm my opinion the cooling system is one massive potential weak point for t25s.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[AngeloEvs]

Cheers all, ordered Stainless Steel version plus O ring. Surprising just how corroded this item gets and it is all external. Inspection of the coolant pipe assy behind the pulley next as this is available from Brickwerks in SS.

[itchyfeet]

Because it rots outside in? Mine both went on the join with the smaller pipe and one also had a hole in the middle of the main pipe.

Correct

[shrig1969]

When I done a coolant change recently, I assessed the above pipe and gave it a couple of years of life. ( to impatient to wait for delivery and didn't fancy the extra work)
I was out by 1 year 51 weeks and 3 days!
Ordered the stainless one from brickwerks and it fitted perfectly, and only a little more expensive.

Highly recommend

[Oldiebut goodie]

Was it a leap year? It makes a lot of difference.
Soddes Law in action.

[kevtherev]

Because it rots outside in? Mine both went on the join with the smaller pipe and one also had a hole in the middle of the main pipe.

Correct

I knew it would rot from the outside, because new pipes are made using thinner steel..and I knew that that is preventable.
There are products that do that.
My pipe is covered in stone chip on the exposed parts

Just sayin if you cant afford it you can make a steel one last as long.

[AngeloEvs]

Strange how the mild steel versions go half way along the bottom and around the smaller pipes close to where they have been brazed. I suppose a good preventative coating would help if done from first fitting.

From what I read doing a google search, the current mild steel items are a poor fit, prone to leaking at the flange and can foul the tin ware. The Stainless steel ones all seem to be made in Germany and a perfect fit.

I ordered mine from JK, arrived following morning and fitted perfectly, Looked a well constructed item and, for me anyway, worth the extra £35 but if on a budget I would definitely add some extra protection to a standard mild steel type.

[Ian Hulley]

Fit the stainless one and forget it forever ... and the stainless oil cooler/warmer pipes, pump to o/s jacket pipes, o/s head outlet flange and the main front to back pipes.

Life's too short to screw around on the hard shoulder when the mild steel ones rot through without notice.

Ian