[VW '89 Golf] Upper head flange cracking

So I'm having a consistent problem with my 1989 Volkswagen Golf GL.
The upper head flange is cracking every 2-4 weeks. When this does
happen the flange "neck" is shearing off, leaving the outer ring in
the hose.

I have had the front engine mount, top radiator hose, and expansion
tank cap replaced. I'm currently on my 5th replacement flange. The
replacement flange is black thermoplastic, about 8 bucks.


It's not leaking, just blowing the upper head coolant flange.

Any ideas?

are you using an OEM hose? Could be pulling on the neck if not.


> wrote in message
...
> So I'm having a consistent problem with my 1989 Volkswagen Golf GL.
> The upper head flange is cracking every 2-4 weeks. When this does
> happen the flange "neck" is shearing off, leaving the outer ring in
> the hose.
>
> I have had the front engine mount, top radiator hose, and expansion
> tank cap replaced. I'm currently on my 5th replacement flange. The
> replacement flange is black thermoplastic, about 8 bucks.
>
>
> It's not leaking, just blowing the upper head coolant flange.
>
> Any ideas?

wrote:

>So I'm having a consistent problem with my 1989 Volkswagen Golf GL.
>The upper head flange is cracking every 2-4 weeks. When this does
>happen the flange "neck" is shearing off, leaving the outer ring in
>the hose.

>I have had the front engine mount, top radiator hose, and expansion
>tank cap replaced. I'm currently on my 5th replacement flange. The
>replacement flange is black thermoplastic, about 8 bucks.

>It's not leaking, just blowing the upper head coolant flange.

Check your thermostat. It may be stuck.

And use the correct type of hose clamps. Avoid over-tightening.

Check your radiator and engine mounts. Excessive movement can
unduly stress the hose flange.
--
/"\ Bernd Felsche - Innovative Reckoning, Perth, Western Australia
\ / ASCII ribbon campaign | Science is the belief in
X against HTML mail | the ignorance of the experts.
/ \ and postings | -- Richard Feynman

Does it turn white anywhere also?
Are you buying them from the dealer?

> wrote in message
...
> So I'm having a consistent problem with my 1989 Volkswagen Golf GL.
> The upper head flange is cracking every 2-4 weeks. When this does
> happen the flange "neck" is shearing off, leaving the outer ring in
> the hose.
>
> I have had the front engine mount, top radiator hose, and expansion
> tank cap replaced. I'm currently on my 5th replacement flange. The
> replacement flange is black thermoplastic, about 8 bucks.
>
>
> It's not leaking, just blowing the upper head coolant flange.
>
> Any ideas?

Maybe a new brand of flange? Three hole with a plug vs. two hole?
Maybe try the fifteen dollar flange instead of the eight dollar one?

I think the suggestion about your mounts causing flex is the best one
yet. Good luck- it can be fixed!

On Sep 2, 9:39*pm, "Lost In Space/Woodchuck" >
wrote:
> are you using an OEM hose? Could be pulling on the neck if not.
>

I am using a new OEM hose. Replaced two flanges ago.

>
> Check your thermostat. It may be stuck.
>
> And use the correct type of hose clamps. Avoid over-tightening.
>
> Check your radiator and engine mounts. Excessive movement can
> unduly stress the hose flange.
> --


The temperature gage is showing normal temperatures.
I am using original factory spring clamps.
The front engine mount has been replaced two flanges ago. I will
check the radiator mounts. Thanks.

On Sep 2, 11:19*pm, "dave AKA vwdoc1" >
wrote:
> Does it turn white anywhere also?
> Are you buying them from the dealer?
>


No. The flange seems to work well and seal. Bought the replacement
flanges from two seperate reliable sources but I will try the dealer.
Good idea!