coolant pipe replacement 1. 9 dg

[jrt]

Morning, we had to be towed home yesterday after i lost my coolant (the first time since we've had the van). Luckily it happened with the engine cold. So now the vans on the drive while I scratch my head a decide what to do. The pipe has corroded where it bends upwards just before it enters into the engine bay, about 6-8" from the end. How easy is it for a non mechanic like me to replace these pipes on the drive. Any tips or problems that might crop up. My other option is to get the local mechanic to do it but then I need to tow it there etc. Has anyone had any success in temporarily repairing this pipe with self emalgamating tape or cutting out and replacing with hose/pipe so I could drive it there? Since having the van I've done a fair few jobs myself.. clutch master/slave, water pump, fuel lines etc but this is filling me with dread. On the plus side the coolant that came out was still nice and colourful and i noticed the fuel pipe to the carb was cracking again so will replace that too.
Cheers, David.

[davidoft1]

buy a new one, theyre pretty easy to replace, 2 bolts( 6mm allen key I think) 1 jubilee clip, takes 20 mins to swap

[trundletruc]

I am not clear as to which pipe needs replacing? Is it one of the long ones running under the length of the van? If so, they are a big job. A temporary solution could be to patch it up with rubber tube and jubilee clips. My van originally had the steel pipes and they rusted near the back off-side wheel. The solution then is to change these to the new stainless ones which come in two pieces each.
On the other hand if the pipe that is leaking is directly attached to the engine that may be easier? Do you have the early cooling system or the late?

[jrt]

Yes it's the long ones, early DG 1983. Mine is holed in the same place as yours by the sound of it. It looks like crap and moisture has collected between the pipe and the heater hose, just above the trailing arm as the pipe bends up towards the engine bay. Ordered some ss replacements that should be here Sat or Monday. Vans on the drive going nowhere so giving it a go. I read all the old posts about using water pipe/milking machine hoses etc until I had a headache . Watched a few YouTube vids and doesn't seem too bad a job depending on who is telling you their experience. For every "it took me 6 hours" there's "it's a piece of pi$$ mate with the smaller diameter early pipes" so I will just get on with it.The only problem is I'm the wrong side of 50 with a few health problems I will report back later
David.

[Jeff J]

"only problem is I'm the wrong side of 50 with a few health problems"
Me too but I managed it OK even with the fuel tank left in place. The only tip I can offer is make sure the hoses from the pipes to the radiator are routed well away from the steering column when you refit them & be very patient when it comes to refilling & bleeding the air out of the system.

[jrt]

"only problem is I'm the wrong side of 50 with a few health problems"
Me too but I managed it OK even with the fuel tank left in place. The only tip I can offer is make sure the hoses from the pipes to the radiator are routed well away from the steering column when you refit them & be very patient when it comes to refilling & bleeding the air out of the system.

That's what I wanted to hear, thanks
David.

[jrt]

Update...Old pipes out, one cut in two the other into 3. I wanted to drop the tank but couldn't remove the tank strap bolts so going to Screwfix for a set of Erbauer nut and bolt remover sockets tomorrow.
David.

[jrt]

Just to update the thread. I got the pipes through by undoing the tank straps and letting the tank drop by a couple of inches. Fed the n/s pipe in then pulled it out until it felt some resistance. At this point i fed the o/s one in half way then jiggled them both together and they slid in.
David.