Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

I've checked under my 1990 1.9DG to check the condition of the front to back cooling pipes as we're going on a longish trip next month. They look like original plastic ones. I thought they were rubber but I think that was just a layer of road crud on the underside   They feel like hard plastic and are a whiteish grey on top.

Is it a good idea to replace them or only if they're showing signs of active leaks? I've not noticed any but the van's about to go in for a service and coolant flush so it would be the time to do it.

If I take the plunge and change them I'm planning on using the Brickwerks stainless kit. Is it possible to fit them without taking the tank off given it come in 2 halves per pipe?

The pipes to the heater matrix don't look so great either so I'm thinking about replacing them at the same time with the Brickwerks EPDM hose.

Are there other things that it makes sense to do at the same time as a job like this? It had a new tank and fuel lines about 10 years ago.

I took some pictures from the underneath


Thanks in advance!

Patrick

If you have plastic pipes it’s usually the metal ends/ inserts that rot and cause leaks.
I changed mine without fully removing the tank by dropping one end and supporting it with a jack. You’ll have to reach under it to undo a couple of clips and maybe some zip ties.
David.

Personally I wouldn't get work like that done at a garage just before going on a long trip unless it was essential.

Better to have it done and drive around locally for a few days, just in case the mechanic wasn't on the ball.

They normally go where plastic meets rubber, at front for example between plastic pipe and rubber hose going into Radiator, the metal insert inside the plastic pipes (see image example)rusts there and causes a leak, if none visible you maybe ok. Mine have been leaking there for years, I just keep an eye on the coolant levels, but it could get worse, I am probably pushing my luck.

Alfredo wrote: ↑14 Jul 2025, 19:53 Personally I wouldn't get work like that done at a garage just before going on a long trip unless it was essential.

Better to have it done and drive around locally for a few days, just in case the mechanic wasn't on the ball.

I agree. Recipe for a cancelled holiday.

As above really, if and when you get it done get them to change all the grommets and breather pipes as well.

Also, 10 yrs is a long time for fuel hoses these days so I would cast an eye over those as well, especially the engine bay ones as I had some perrish in less than 2 yrs.