If you have owned a Corrado for any length of time, the plastic parts which comprise the cooling system have made your life miserable at one time or another. Any dedicated VW enthusiast knows that these plastic parts become brittle with age. The constant exposure to high pressure and heat also do not encourage long life as these parts were probably designed with assembly rather than longevity in mind. Keep in mind, VW would rather you purchase a new VW in four years rather than replace broken parts and continue to drive your old car. (I have my own thoughts on the net impact to the environment and resources required to fabricate the materials necessary to build a new car)One of those parts that fails often is the upper radiator hose flange. This little piece will crack and then leak suddenly which often means "show stopping" failure. Time to call a tow truck.
As in previous posts, I've found alternatives for some of the plastic parts and this is another one of those that must be replaced. Gruven Autoparts makes this clever little piece and it looks good under the hood. What's impressive is that once you replace it with their machined item, the problem is eliminated forever. That's worth the price of the part considering some of my fellow enthusiasts have replaced this fragile part once each year!
During my overhaul, I decided to remove this part from my old radiator. In the process, the plastic endcaps on the radiator cracked! FIGURES! Fortunately, I had a brand new radiator in the box ready to be installed. The Endless Corrado Project marches onward.
As in previous posts, I've found alternatives for some of the plastic parts and this is another one of those that must be replaced. Gruven Autoparts makes this clever little piece and it looks good under the hood. What's impressive is that once you replace it with their machined item, the problem is eliminated forever. That's worth the price of the part considering some of my fellow enthusiasts have replaced this fragile part once each year!
During my overhaul, I decided to remove this part from my old radiator. In the process, the plastic endcaps on the radiator cracked! FIGURES! Fortunately, I had a brand new radiator in the box ready to be installed. The Endless Corrado Project marches onward.
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