Club 80-90 Forums

Having put in a new engine (from the breakers) to replace the one that overheated, I have found that the I need to replace the metal coolant pipes that run to the radiator. These go over the fuel tank. I need to drop the fuel tank to get them out. I have the van on a slope but raised at the back, as shown. Will I be able to get the tank dropped enough to get the metal pipes out at this angle? or do I need to raise the front of the van?

It's difficult to move the van at the moment as the coolant leaks, also it will only fire up if I jump start it & then it stalls when I take off the jump leads (maybe I need a new battery?).
Also the new (old) engine has different carburetor which means that the accelerator cable is not lined up quite right yet and needs some adjustment.(Original carb was solex and the new one is pierburg).
I am looking into getting some new coolant pipes made from steel, but have not got a quote for this.

Any suggestions?

perfectly ok as it is.


simple job that can be done in 20 mins.

remove filler neck , pull breather pipes out from tank , disconnect expansion tanks , disconnect fuel lines.

undo 2 x 13mm bolts on front of straps, drop straps , lower tank.
once lowered you can remove sender wires

look at the end of the tank straps , they are bent over , using pliers/ mole grips straighten these out before doing anything , this will make removing them very simple.

also its a good idea to have very little fuel in the tank!

20mins? Speedy Gonzeles! With the rear raised the tank won't drain.

This might help

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Fu ... nk_removal" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just done this on my van, used JK pipes, I think the pipes from JK, brickwerks and heritage are all from the same german supplier and are split into two pieces. It was not nessesary to drop the tank but do make sure that when the new pipes are secured in place they are twisted into the right position and do not fowl the gear shift rod when selecting 1st and reverse. position the offside pipe first and they will go in. hth

I think a brick/chock in FRONT of the wheels might be a good idea, if not already done on the other side, save any risk of the van rolling over you when you are underneath.

DevonAid wrote:I think a brick/chock in FRONT of the wheels might be a good idea, if not already done on the other side, save any risk of the van rolling over you when you are underneath.

Or perhaps invest in a pair of steel ramps and a decent trolley jack!

Thanks for all the advice. I have been offered some plastic coolant pipes off a 1986 caravelle. Does anyone know whether or not these will fit onto my van which is 1983 and has metal pipes? I understand that there were some changes to the pipes in 1985, but it would be cheaper if these fit. However if there is no chance they 'will fit I don't want to buy them and get them transported to me.
Adam