Coolant Pipe Leak

[TONYT25T25]

The Coolant feed pipe, where it connects from the plastic part to the rubber pipe before it connects to the radiator has finally given up and now leaks liberally when the engine is running. Been aware of this for simetime but been putting off repairing it but now its got worse.. Can this area be repaired or is the only solution to completely replace. Suspect the metal insert has rotted (Common issue). No immediate rush as not using van for a couple of months but like to keep it running and ticking over to keep engine lubricated etc. The recommendations I see are replacing with steel pipes but unsure of size for my van and can these be replaced without a ramp and without dropping fuel tank. I may still run engine for a short period and need to move it to a more suitable repair area anyway. Any ideas welcomed.

[R0B]

I think these are what you need. I'm pretty sure you need the van off the ground to replace your old ones.
https://brickwerks.co.uk/product/coolan ... arly-32mm/

[TONYT25T25]

Thanks Rob, was wondering about how much a struggle it would be to fit whilst van on ground.

[R0B]

You will need to lower the fuel tank. So not really doable on the ground.

[TONYT25T25]

Probably do Radiator at same time as bottom of Rad caked in rust. Viewed a video from Kampers suggesting pipes could be replaced without lowering fuel tank but with great difficulty. Vaguely remember a post from another member, that the metal insert can sometimes be tapped back into place, but wount know this until I separate it from rubber hose to view condition.

[silverbullet]

FWIW I still have the origjnal plastic pipes on my van, the barbs are long gone, I put two screw hose clamps on them for peace of mind.

Check that its not the coolant manifold behind the firewall on the rhs that has cracked, they do let go and coolant only runs downhill!

[TONYT25T25]

Hi, thanks definately in vicinity of area ive described, as the drips are clearly visible in that area, ive put a tray underneath and it collects quite a lot tightened jubilee clips up in the past but now little effect.

[Mocki]

Jubilee clips can tighten in an oval, so check you haven’t over tightened them out of shape .
You can change the front to back pipes without removing the tank, its awkward because of the bracket above the fuel tank that holds the pipes , but if you get the stainless Brickwerks replacements putting it back to get her isnt as hard …….. I’m told that autodoc have the same rads as main suppliers but at a better price ?

[TONYT25T25]

Thanks Steve, thought I got away with it after replacing jubilee clips sometime back, I used two clips close together and staggerred their locking positions on the pipe. but leak has got worst recently. Intend to remove rubber hose between plastic pipe and radiator to view area and take it from there.

[Cecil]

The steel insert can expand with rust and cause the plastic pipe to crack which will then leak. If the rubber pipe has movement to allow it ,cut the plastic pipe shorter and as said, use 2 screw clamps in lieu of the barb or if necessary cut the plastic pipe about a foot from the end and insert a rubber section to extend it,again using 2 clamps per connection.I have found that the pipes jointed in this way(without the metal inserts or barbs) have remained leak free and reliable.

[TONYT25T25]

Thanks, that sounds promising,, are these screw clamps referred to Jubilee clips or another variant. A link or image would be gratefully recieved. Without the lip on the pipe after it is cut off, is this ok to get a good seal.

[Cecil]

Yes I used jubilee clips (doubled up) on the rubber pipe to the
raw end of the shortened plastic pipe joint , that was 8 years ago and no leaks so far.

[TONYT25T25]

Thanks again, my use of two Jubilee clips similar method to yours has not worked, so suspect plastic pipe has cracked as mentioned and I need to separate the area to get a closer look. First job will be to remove the spare wheel and carrier as space is restricted to get acess as I will be working from the front of the Van.

[RogerT]

I tapped in the metal insert and resecured the rubber pipe with multiple zip ties at the side of the road once, refilling the coolant from the drinking water. I like Cecil’s method, tho I went with stainless pipes as soon as I could. I found the all four pipe ends were failing, so I’d suggest you think about working at the back of the van too…

[TONYT25T25]

Thanks, Tempted to patch it temporarily, and see how it goes, but eventually will have to go with a complete change, probably with Stainless Steel.