Almost all of the Radiators being sold for the Vanagon right now are the
aluminum ones from South Africa.  There are some copper core ones out there
that I come across from time to time, but mostly the aluminum ones which are
OE VW since they have the VW/Audi logo on them.  I have installed many of
these radiators for customers and I have never had this problem.  Also most
of the stock radiators out there after 84 were Aluminum.  I have had several
experiences where the vans where running hot because of a clogged radiator,
and then the new radiator eliminates this problem, but never a problem with
the heater.

I will say that I am coming to think that the radiator is a much overlooked
source of badness in the Vanagon cooling system.  What I am finding is that
the radiator is a wear item.  It becomes clogged and junked up over the
years even if you never use any type of stop leak, etc.  I guess this is
just from the coolant not being changed regularly.  This muddy substance
builds up inside the radiator until it will not flow or radiate properly.  I
have taken out old radiators that even when empty, are a good ten pounds
heavier than the new one (I am talking Aluminum vs Aluminum).  My advice is
that if you have just had a headgasket problem, overheating problem, etc.
replace your radiator as well as the other normal replacement items (unless
it has been recently replaced).  Also I would say at the 150k-175k mile mark
the radiator should probably be replaced when you replace the coolant hoses
(they aren't going to last forever you know!).

Using these parameters you can guess that I am saying that probably most of
the Vanagons out there are running with crappy radiators.  You would be
guessing right.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
http://www.strictlyvwauctions.com
http://www.eurovan.org
http://www.vwcabrio.org
Phone: (856)-327-4936
Fax: (856)-327-2242 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kim Springer
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 2:14 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Behr Radiators

Volks,

Has anyone installed a Behr radiator as sold on ebay and having an issue
with the interior cabin heater not heating up to the normal, hot, temp?

I am considering replacing mine and have been warned that the aluminum Behr
cools so well that the water temp doesn't get high enough to do the interior
heating properly (as hot as stock).

I'm looking for any feedback on the issue, if anyone has had this
experience.

Isn't the stock rad a copper or brass?  Are these Behr rads South African
where they are running a 5 banger in a hotter climate?  Is the 190 degrees
(or so) (thermostatically controlled) a high enough temp that this would
heat the interior the normal hot temp?  Could the source have a thermostat
that is stuck wide open or a heater valve that wasn't opening completely? Am
I making any sense?

Thanks,

Kim Springer
2WD '89 Tristar White.