I don't think it's quite fair to day the original units aren't very good.
they last 20+ years often.

my recomdation is to *always* have a little coolant circulating through
the rear heater core ..
all year ..at least 40 % on,
as the fresh coolant helps it last longer.

letting coolant sit in there , statically, all summer..
that promotes corrosion of the rear heater core in my opinion.

scott
On 12/10/2013 5:44 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> For some reason the rear heater cores are generally available in the normal
> automotive aftermarket. Compared to heater cores for some other cars the
> price of these is not all that bad. Considering the damage that can be done
> if one suddenly fails I would suggest replacing it. Why install another 25
> year old wear part?
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Stuart MacMillan
> Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 12:25 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Anyone have a good rear heater core for sale?
>
> These puppies are expensive new, and I'm never sure of the quality anymore.
> Not that the quality of these OEM units is very good either.  I replaced the
> one in my '84 at about 150k miles too.  Since then I've turned off the valve
> in summer.
>
>
>
> P-mail me if you have one.
>
>
>
> Stuart
>
> '85 Westy
>