Radiators have gotten cheap enough that it doesn't make much sense to buy used.  I replaced mine a couple years ago when I noticed that the van was taking a long time cooling down after cresting hills. 

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On May 24, 2012, at 5:38 PM, neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> Yah I'd anticipated a rad job. Found a used one with 35K  km's on it
> just recently along with a few other 2.1 Digifant parts.
> 
> The rad currently installed may well be the original part.
> 
> Of note, pulled the thermostat. (off shore FLAPS type) Tested it and
> new "Made in Germany" Thermostat.  Both opened and closed at the same
> time and likely the same rate. (the steam makes it hard to see!). I
> had suspected the FLAPS  thermostat mightt not be opening properly all
> the time. This test is by now means accurate, but the interesting part
> for me was to note that the FLAPS thermostat *appeared* to have a
> larger opening when both heated to a boil.
> 
> Neil.
> 
> On 5/24/12, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
>> ---- David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
>>> 
>>> The cooling system has quirks and way too many hoses, but it seems
>>> massively overbuilt.  The radiator (to me) seems sized for a much
>>> larger engine than it is actually cooling.  I don't think the people
>>> putting in 3-litre Subaru engines or turbo Bostigs have problems with
>>> cooling capacity.  I really think that most cooling issues arise from
>>> gummed-up radiators that are overdue for replacement.
> 
>> My '91 camper with stock 2.1 engine overheated regularly both on grades and
>> in town until I replaced the radiator.  I had done all sorts of tweaks to
>> the cooling system, some of which probably were not needed.  Replaced the
>> radiator, overheating problem gone.
>> 
>> McNeely
>> 
> 
> 
> --
> Neil n
> 
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
> 
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
> 
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> 
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
> 
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines