Radiator Return Connection Broke
Posted
#1636403
(In Topic #226338)
Newbie
Top Hose Connector broken. Repair or Replace?
Haven't found this posted anywhere else (please correct me if I'm wrong).
Been fixing lots of things on this wonderful vehicle, had the coolant sorted (nothings ever really sorted is it?) and got to the oily bits. Ran it up hot to look for oil leak origins when the radiator return hose started leaking at the radiator connection (looks like it was overtightened some point in history).
The following seconds featured a great deal of swearing and hot coolant avoidance to varying degrees of success.
After it finished spraying hot coolant everywhere (only slightly burning my hand), I cleaned down and tidied up to find that the plastic connector at the top of the radiator - return feed to expansion tank - had sheered off cleanly.
My question is:
Would a stainless steel spacer pipe (5mm O/D, 3.6mm I/D, 10mm long) fixed into the broken plastic connector and pushed/fixed into the side of the radiator housing be a sufficient repair in the sense of pressure and flow?
Would the reduction of internal diameter (5mm to 3.6mm) restrict the flow to the expansion tank? Does it matter as long as it flows and refills?
I'm obviously happy to replace the rad but £3 vs. £40 is preferable.
Opinions welcome.
Look forward to your thoughts.
Posted
Local Hero
Also a good time to flush out the whole system and fill with fresh coolant.
You could try a bodge it but if it leaks again you could be stuck at the side of the road with no coolant or worse case cooked your engine…
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
Local Hero
my car ran a tad cooler after installing it.
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Posted
Old Timer
Posted
Newbie
There is also the thought of tapping a hose barb into the hole… I might experiment before committing for shits and giggles.
I'll let you know what happens.
Cheers for the responses.
Posted
Local Hero
On non-pressurized systems I have repaired that and had success, but because the tanks on these are sealed you can't get to the inside.
What I have done going forward is to use a 90 degree barbed fitting, attach one side to the radiator and the other to the Expansion hose, this take the strain off the connection, and since then I have never had a hose or radiator failure on that bend.
Radiator return upgrade. | Volkswagen Owners Club Forum
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
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