Syncro Coolant Pipe on a 2WD

[maxstu]

Will syncro coolant (feed from distribution tower to upper part of radiator) pipe 251121397L fit a 2WD vehicle?
It seems l have stored away for a drippy day an incorrect coolant pipe. Correct 2WD part number is 251121397M l believe.
Regards
Stuart

[Stesaw]

If it doesn't ill buy it off you

[Aidan]

It's a pretty subtle difference at the back, you could probably make it work but you might have to make a replacement feed hose from the distributor to the pipe, or maybe use the Syncro version of that hose, the Syncro one has a slight bend in it I think, 2wd is straight; it is probably to do with the fuel tank being at the back in a Syncro plus the engine being slightly lower in the chassis and thus the routing necessary to clear the gearbox/starter motor 

[maxstu]

If it doesn't ill buy it off you

It's a used plastic one. But both metal ends are in great condition.

[maxstu]

It's a pretty subtle difference at the back, you could probably make it work but you might have to make a replacement feed hose from the distributor to the pipe, or maybe use the Syncro version of that hose, the Syncro one has a slight bend in it I think, 2wd is straight; it is probably to do with the fuel tank being at the back in a Syncro plus the engine being slightly lower in the chassis and this the routing necessary to clear the gearbox/starter motor 

Yes. It does curve as you say. If it doesn't fit my second intention is to cut pipe at either ends and discard the end pieces with metal inserts. Then use the original centre piece and syncro ends with stainless strengtheners and nice bit of new rubber hose with two clips either side.
Regards
Stuart

[Stesaw]

Oh, those pipes, (shoulda checked the part number ) I thought you meant the rubber pipe from thermostat to the metal bellhousing one.

[maxstu]

Sorry! Don't speak syncro lingo!

[Stesaw]

Sorry! Don't speak syncro lingo!

Neither do I much

[maxstu]

To finish up...no you can't use a syncro feed coolant pipe on a 2WD.. Not without a very minor bit of surgery, that is.

The rear (engine) connection to the distrubution tower doesn't match. Different shape. And it is shorter, too.
One on left is syncro. Beside it is the original 2WD. Note curve at far end.



Wrong way round. Syncro goes over rear chassis cross member? 2WD under chassis.



Firstly the reason for replacing. Original plastic coolant pipes. All ends rusting away and leaking.



So l gave it a cut and added a vw T25 flexiible coolant hose that matched the original shape.



Final fitting.



Regards
Stuart

[Smiffo]

I shudder when I think of that job. I ended up doing mine in winter ( Feb if memory serves me right ) led on a freezing floor, no ramps, with antifreeze running down my arms and in my hair.

It was either that job I am recalling, or my brain is trying to recollect blocked and buried memories of being waterboarded 

 

[maxstu]

Not a job to repeat, that is for sure. Even when carefully collecting the coolant (I manage to retrieve about 14 litres) there were a few times l ended up eating the pink stuff...and lm not talking gin!
Ive yet to bleed cooling to test system. lm still dabbling with cruise control and slightly lower springs and new shocks.

[Stesaw]

Great job matey,
Yeah I do not enjoy messing with the coolant system. I recall doing a radiator swap.. what a mess

[maxstu]

Try a rad swap with an LPG tank in the spare wheel well. Nightmare!

[Stesaw]

I'll pass

[maxstu]

I guess the modern expression is giving closure to this subject...

Earlier today l bled the coolant system and got the camper up to temp. Rad without air and nice and warm, with the fan cycling as it should.
Let it cool for 2 hours then gave the engine a good thashing as l filled up the coolant tank and fitted a new dalek cap. Heater nice and hot. AND no leaks! At last.
Topped up the tank behind the flap to middle of the two marks.
New dalek cap working as it should too.
No leaky head nut either.
Result!