Date:         Wed, 23 Aug 2006 02:51:15 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Behr Radiators
In-Reply-To:  <011601c6c67b$4354b620$6600a8c0@4BYCY41>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I don't have any experience with the Behr radiators but I can't imagine
the radiator cooling so much that it affects the cabin heater.  The
thermostat would just be cycling closed more of the time if that were
the case.

I live in northern Maine and I drive my Vanagons year round.  I've
driven in -40 degree temperatures, at highway speeds,  with plenty of
cabin heat.

The first year I owned my '85 that wasn't the case as I learned that I
bought it with a bad thermostat.  That first winter I had to put
cardboard in front of the radiator just so the engine would operate
normally.  Replacing the thermostat cured that problem.

Mike


Kim Springer wrote:
> Volks,
>
> Has anyone installed a Behr radiator as sold on ebay and having an issue with the interior cabin heater not heating up to the normal, hot, temp?
>
> I am considering replacing mine and have been warned that the aluminum Behr cools so well that the water temp doesn't get high enough to do the interior heating properly (as hot as stock).
>
> I'm looking for any feedback on the issue, if anyone has had this experience.
>
> Isn't the stock rad a copper or brass?  Are these Behr rads South African where they are running a 5 banger in a hotter climate?  Is the 190 degrees (or so) (thermostatically controlled) a high enough temp that this would heat the interior the normal hot temp?  Could the source have a thermostat that is stuck wide open or a heater valve that wasn't opening completely? Am I making any sense?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Kim Springer
> 2WD '89 Tristar White.
>