Club 80-90 Forums

Smosh wrote: I just need to work out the differences between early and late coolant systems now and how to reconfigure mine!

Remind us exactly what the situation is and maybe some pics and we can help.

Hi folks,

So new engine is in.
Fuel line is on the pump and return is connected. Ignition is all sorted.
Coolant system is missing!
It appears the fixed directly to the engine pipes came with the van but other parts did not. Most notably, I'm missing the "coolant distribution manifold"? The other issue is that where my coolant pipes from the rad came into the enginee bay, they may need to be cut short, but the copper? pipe is profiled, so I am unsure a hose will seal as efficiently if I do trim it back.

Some how I have no photos of the engine in? Here are some of the old (early) engine and what not:

Got to be more to the problem otherwise you would just swap it all over
was it a change from solex to pierburg?

itchyfeet wrote:Got to be more to the problem otherwise you would just swap it all over
was it a change from solex to pierburg?

The other issue is that the metal pipe that runs below the alternator on the early system has a big hole in it! So the early system cant be used, and changing over the water pump seemed like a trouble inducing task!

Smosh wrote:Yep! dragging the engine, on the hoist, through the gravel on my tod, wasnt easy! Dragging the replacement engine over on a pallet was better. But I am feeling stiff this morning! The worst bit though was trying to slide the new engine under the van. Pulling it on the ply was easy, pushing it just didnt work.
I just need to work out the differences between early and late coolant systems now and how to reconfigure mine!

Why didn't you just attach a rope to the ply and pull from the other end - lot easier than pushing! (+ you have the front of the van to brace against)

Smosh wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:Got to be more to the problem otherwise you would just swap it all over
was it a change from solex to pierburg?

The other issue is that the metal pipe that runs below the alternator on the early system has a big hole in it! So the early system cant be used, and changing over the water pump seemed like a trouble inducing task!

You realy need to keep the early system
you need to buy new pipes if they are rusted
Thermostat housing needs swapping buy a new pump.is best anyway

itchyfeet wrote:

Smosh wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:Got to be more to the problem otherwise you would just swap it all over
was it a change from solex to pierburg?

The other issue is that the metal pipe that runs below the alternator on the early system has a big hole in it! So the early system cant be used, and changing over the water pump seemed like a trouble inducing task!

You realy need to keep the early system
you need to buy new pipes if they are rusted
Thermostat housing needs swapping buy a new pump.is best anyway

I thought the later coolant system was better?

Oldiebut goodie wrote:

Smosh wrote:Yep! dragging the engine, on the hoist, through the gravel on my tod, wasnt easy! Dragging the replacement engine over on a pallet was better. But I am feeling stiff this morning! The worst bit though was trying to slide the new engine under the van. Pulling it on the ply was easy, pushing it just didnt work.
I just need to work out the differences between early and late coolant systems now and how to reconfigure mine!

Why didn't you just attach a rope to the ply and pull from the other end - lot easier than pushing! (+ you have the front of the van to brace against)

No rope, no Access to front!

Dont know anybody who converted
going to.cost a $h1t load to.do.it
some pipes are silly money
just stick to whay you have imo

I think i have pretty much 90% of the pipes that was all

Well maybe you can do it but it will take some thought.
I'm happy to take as many pics as you like of a late system
take a pic of all the late pipes you have
do you have the bleed rail?

itchyfeet wrote:Well maybe you can do it but it will take some thought.
I'm happy to take as many pics as you like of a late system
take a pic of all the late pipes you have
do you have the bleed rail?

No, I don't. I think, the only things I need are the bleed rail, distribution tower, and a way of getting from right to left of engine to the back of the thermostat housing!

Smosh wrote:

itchyfeet wrote:Well maybe you can do it but it will take some thought.
I'm happy to take as many pics as you like of a late system
take a pic of all the late pipes you have
do you have the bleed rail?

No, I don't. I think, the only things I need are the bleed rail, distribution tower, and a way of getting from right to left of engine to the back of the thermostat housing!

Brickwerks sell those pipes and coolant tower. I bought both of those last year.
I got my bleed rail from VW heritage - a plastic one - but I am sure Ermie offered one to someone recently.... Drop her a PM?

Don't 100% know, but I seem to remember the DJ bleed rail being different to DG version. Someone will know for sure here

2.1 bleed rail has an extra Tee from a DG but that can be capped off.

there are two types of late coolant tower too it seems

Coolant towers for manual gearbox and auto.