Lyle,

While you can still get one, (think of it, the rad is 21 years old), I would
heartily recommend a new radiator, seriously.

There are other things that can go bad with Vanagon radiators that you can't
see, like the separator piece between the inlet and outlet hose bibs. When
it breaks internally, all looks well on the outside, but the engine will
overheat because coolant flow will simply go in, and then out, but not
through, the rad.

There are some things that can be nursed along with JB Weld, Goop etc, but
(my opinion only), this is certainly not one of them.

Leave this to when the new parts supply dries up.

I'm not trying to discourage you, only help you.

Dave

On 9/18/06, Marion Lathem <resiolute@copper.net> wrote:
>
> As you know I have been restoring a 1985 Vanagon GL.  It's coming along
> great, been lots of rough spots.. and now it's another rough spot.  Back
> some winter one of the coolant pipes froze and burst.  I fixed that, now I
> had noticed a drip out of the passenger side of the radiator.  I pulled it
> off, and found on the lower passenger side brass that folds over to clamp
> the plastic end tank... there is a 4 inch split/crack right in the bend.  I
> used Goop, Automotive sealant,  then I realized, there would likely be no
> pressure on the fingers holding the plastic end tank.  Is my only option to
> take the end tank off, silphos, or brass weld the crack then put it back
> together, or is there another way I haven't thought of...too long for stop
> leak...plus that's not a permanent fix in my book..?
>
> Second problem, as you know I hooked the fan wire to the ignition circuit,
> the fan motor runs all the time now.  I took the fan thermostat, three pin
> white screw in... checked voltage at a bit over 12 volts coming into the
> center pin.  Checking the fan thermostat, which must be a two speed,  no
> pins are closed... all three are open...?  So how is the 12 volts getting to
> the Radiator fan motor.. to make it run when it looks like it should be off
> until the temp is up right to turn it on..?  What am I missing here..?
> Lyle Lathem
> 1985 Vanagon GL
> Quinlan, TX...  no others around.... anywhere...I have seen....?
>