Source a Radiator Hose for T4

[Gold Coaster]

At my last service I was informed that my 2L petrol 1996 T4 cooling system needed attention. The top and bottom radiator hoses were soft and a flange and water pump were weeping.

I tried VW first but was taken aback when I was quoted $950 for parts only, plus $700 to fit. Also I was told that the top radiator hose was no longer available and I would have to source a generic brand myself. As I had given them the vehicle's vin number they were able to give me the part number to search for which was VW-044 121 101L. However when googled the hose looks different and it says that it is for a 1.9L Diesel?

After a bit of searching I contacted Tooley Imports in Hornsby who were able to supply all the parts for just over $400 delivered. Upon arrival though, the top radiator hose (their part no: 044 121 144K) was also wrong and looked the same as the one VW had quoted on. When I queried this they told me that this is the only one they had and according to the vin number should have been correct.

This is the hose, that according to my vin number, should fit but doesn't!


Highlighted here is the hose I need. It is very similar to the one that was sent but it doesn't have an extra 'T' coming off the main 'T' junction.



Does anybody know where I might be able to source the hose that I need?

[Bug_racer]

That T looks like it goes to the electric water pump . Do you have the electric water pump ?

[Gold Coaster]

Yes, in the VW quote it is described as an additional electric water pump.

[Gold Coaster]

Still no luck if finding a top radiator hose!

The strange thing is that the electric water pump that I also ordered using the part number supplied by VW (034 965 561C) looked the same but was also incorrect ..... the electrical connection was different.



I sent the supplier a photo of what I needed and they were able to send me the correct one which had a different part number (251 965 561B) and on the box said it was for a T4 5 cyl or a Golf VR6. How does that figure?

I did by the way also order a bottom radiator hose and a flange and both were the correct part using the part numbers supplied by VW.

Any assistance in trying to locate the top radiator hose (pictured below) would be greatly appreciated.

[Sunny43.5]

Not sure is this the one you are after 044-121-101/L / 044121101L - Radiator Hose VW T4 1.9 Diesel and Turbo Diesel 1990 On - 34768, - :: Just Kampers Australia

[Gold Coaster]

Thanks for your help Sunny but I've talked to Just Kampers and they only carry the one that you gave a link to which unfortunately is the wrong one, even though according to VW, it should be!

In following leads, I've tried Imparts online, Vee Dub Salvage and Auto Repairs at Mermaid Beach, Unique Auto Parts at Slacks Creek, Access Parts in Melbourne, Tooley Imports in Hornsby, Stokers VW Parts in Byron Bay (a possibility but waiting for photo match confirmation) and VWheritage online.

VW heritage came very close and sent me the following:



It's very deceptive but the top radiator hose is actually number 19 and not number 1. They had number 1 in stock but can't get in a number 19 ..... very frustrating!

If anyone has any other leads/suppliers that I could try then I would be most appreciative.

[Gold Coaster]

Just heard back from Stokers in Byron Bay and the hose they had isn't the right one either!

I've also tried Vagcat, which I noticed mentioned on this forum, but still no luck.

This is a photo of the top radiator hose that I need. The end of the T-piece is where the additional electric water pump attaches.



Does anybody out there have any ideas/suggestions?

[Sunny43.5]

If you are at wits end then maybe its time to get creative . You may need to buy a hose that can be modified by sleeving the hose with some stainless steel pipes and then clamps that way you may be able to custom fit one to suit your needs .

[Gold Coaster]

Yes, it seems like I'm chasing my tail at the moment!

Earlier on I had tried a few radiator repairers on making up a hose for me but no one was really interested in having a go. Went back again to one who had said no before and explained that I wasn't having any joy in finding a replacement hose. He agreed that if I take the hose out and bring it in then he will have a go at making one up for me but it would take a few days, in between jobs.

I guess this is by best/only option, besides Sunny's, which I don't feel confident enough in tackling myself.

[Umai Naa!!]

There may be a part number on the hose itself.

You'll need to pull it out and give it a good clean.