As mentioned in my first post, I have read most of those threads. Many alternate ways of fixing. Hose part number and size useful!

The warnings about difficulty in installing a replacement hose are what alerted me to look for other ways.

I checked my leaks today. Looks like some seepage at both ends of rubber hose as well as from the lower union on the cooler itself.

If the existing lines were easy to get in and out, this wouldn't be a big problem. To do it your way, with hose and clamps, I still have to get the bottom union off without damage, because it is leaking. May be hard to re-seat.

The extensive info on this site has at least let me understand what the problem is and where the pitfalls are.

Conclusion is that the lower rubber hose must go. Maybe the cooler metal end as well. Which leaves me with the aftermarket complete line, unless I can remove the lower line and install a replacement. Or I just live with a small leak.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5