Newer rads (including Vanagon's) are plastic and aluminum.  Instead
of soldering, the tanks are crimped on and a rubber gasket is used in between.

Some rad shops won't deal with them.  It takes a special machine to crimp
the thing back together and then you run the risk that the "ears" will
fatigue and the crimp won't hold.  Shop carefully for a good radiator shop!

Also, I imagine that this maybe a one shot deal.  The next time you'll
need a whole new radiator.

- Frank

 >As I understand it, rodding the radiator involves unsoldering the upper 
 >and lower tanks, then running special rods down each tube. It is supposed 
 >to be the right treatment when the radiator is clogged but not badly 
 >corroded itself. I was prepared to buy a new radiator, but the radiator 
 >shop (who I've done business with for year) suggested the rodding 
 >instead. It has woked great.  Even at 110 degrees ambiant temperature, the 
 >needle stays over the little red light. (I also changed the fan switch 
 >and ALL radiator hoses...now that was expensive!)
 >
 >Dave Garth
 >San Luis Obispo, CA
 >

-------------------------------------------------
Frank Terhaar-Yonkers		fty@vislab.epa.gov
Martin Marietta Technical Services/U.S. EPA
P.O. Box 14365,	 Mail Stop 4201-2,  RTP,  NC  27709
voice - (919)541-2297		fax - (919)541-3967

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