If the radiator froze, you need to check the heater cores and all the
plastic manifolds and valves. The radiator didn't freeze because it was up
front. It froze due to insufficient antifreeze or with an engine that didn't
run, the antifreeze never got mixed.

Front radiators are used for the benefit of ram air cooling. If it was in
the rear, it would need a fan full time. Check out page 8 for the power
requirements of those rear engine motor homes.
https://ohe.cat.com/cda/files/287140/7/LEGT5364.pdf

Maybe you can get a used radiator. Having one glued together means you will
be replacing the engine again anyway.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Marion Lathem
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2006 11:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: !985 Vanagon radiator leak.

Dave, I know that's right.  The radiator looks pretty new, and I believe if
it had not of froze it would be ok today.  I think I'm going to pull the
plastic end tank off,  look at the core... if it looks good, clean, I might
try a brass repair of that metal that is split.  That is if I get the tank
off in one piece.  I would love to have a new radiator, but they are pretty
steep for me... and all but impossible to purchase, so my options are less
than some folks with extra cash to spend.  As an after thought now, the
Vanagon was probably a poor choice for a low income person.  I have it now,
and have already spent $600 for an engine, that came really dear... so a
radiator now is just not possible, if it has to just sit for awhile.  I'm
not complaining, just explaining my drive to repair, make, retrofit and good
sound mechanics, not baling wire do until patch jobs either.. I cannot help
but wonder at the engineering mistake by the fan being up front. Even
leaving air cooled, in my mind was a grievous mistake...the radiator should
have been at the back, if water cooled at all...?  Oh well..can't change
what is... just adapt... and drive it...!  Lyle