VWAR Old forum !

We're putting new brakes and struts in my new acquired 71 AS.  The previous owner diconnected the heater (Florida) and welded some frost plugs in the rear engine tin holes.  Well, we got the plugs out, but the tin is in pretty bad shape.  
We have another one to replace it with, but the line running from the union that is running through the tin to the pump, isn't in the best of shape.  I'm sure I could use it, but it's very difficult to get at the bottom (of the tin) nut that holds the line through the tin, while turning the top lock nut.  I was wondering if since this isn't high pressure (must not be since it's rubber to the union nipple) would I be able to replace it with some type of rubber hose all the way to the pump?   :?:  I know that it does pass under the pan of the engine, but I don't know if this is a high heat area and rubber wouldn't last.

Any help on this matter greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

Hiya gleason,

I replaced my "under the rear tin" ATF lines with custom-made high pressure hoses.  Now I have one hose running from the ATF reservoir to the pump and another from the pump to the union at the rear tin.  These hoses are steel braided and teflon coated.  They'll be there when then rest of the car has rusted away.

They are rated to work in a high heat environment, but because they are somewhat flexible I can actually orient them away from the exhaust system.  Works great!

But I would advise you to run such a hose only up to the existing union held in place by the rear tin.  I would not attempt to go through the tin with one piece of hose.  This simply because of the engine vibration.  It will eventually abrade any hose you put in place there.

I went overboard when I did my new hoses.  But I didn't want any problems from them in the future.  If you take a close look at your rubber connecting hose (atop the tin over on the right hand side of the engine compartment) you will notice that is a reinforced hose.  I don't think you can get away in this application without at least getting a pressure resistant hose.

Let us know what you decide to do!

Mike

1970 AS Bug

Mike, thanks for the response on my ATF hose situation.  What I think that I might do is to is to fit the hose/tube back to the car, and then look at replacing the section of tube which makes removal of the pan difficult.  This section would be replaced by an acceptable hose.  So what I would have is a vertical tube running down through the tin with a curve to horizontal.  Then it would be acceptable hose under the engine where it would connect to the original tube that is coming out of the pump.  This should allow an easy removal of the tin and still give me a stable, durable connection through the tin.
   Am I correct in assuming that this hose/tube is low pressure, not the high pressure that would be coming OUT of the pump?  I guess I've done enough of this type of plumbing to get the right stuff once I know what the conditions or requirments of the connection is.
Thanks