Date: Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:01:57 -0700
Reply-To: Philip Zimmerman <philzimm1@OBERON.ARK.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Philip Zimmerman <philzimm1@OBERON.ARK.COM>
Subject: Re: parts list for radiator replacement on 1988 Westy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:40:20 -0600
"Dustin Robertson - <drobertson@BACKCOUNTRY.COM> Wrote:
I am going to replace my radiator and wanted your advice what else I
should
replace. I am less concerned about cost and more concerned about
reliability so if there is a better aftermarket radiator I would love to
hear about it.
I have a 1988 Westy GL with a Subaru 2.5 configured using the Kennedy
cooling method which means the cooling system uses almost all the
original
VW design.
----------
Dustin,
Regarding aftermarket radiators. The two aftermarket models I looked at
(one German, one USA) had two-pass cores. The OEM VW Dealer radiator
has a three-pass core. The price differences are considerable. Near
$600 Canadian for the OEM Dealer one, ~ $300 for either aftermarket
one.
I don't have any info on the commonly supplied SA Radiators. Other
list-members may wish to chime in here with their experiences?
What I suspect is the two-pass cores will loose their cooling
efficiency over time, sooner than the three-pass OEM Radiator. The
aftermarket Radiators are built of lighter material and do not have the
two band-reinforcements that run top to bottom between the top/bottom
frame of the Radiator.
I removed these reinforcements off my old one, installed onto the
German aftermarket I purchased. Might look to replacing the bottom two
rubber donuts the radiator sits on. The top-ones are usually Ok. Check
the feed/return hoses between the radiator and the plastic pipes. Good
to remove the feed/return hoses off the plastic pipes to check how
secure the metal inserts are inside these pipes? Everywhere I found a
"screw-type" hose-clamp (DPO), the insert was damaged and working its
way out of the pipe! The "spring-clamp" clips that came with the Van
were all Ok. I replaced all "screw-type" with "spring-clamp" and
haven't had a leak..... yet!
Look to rebuilding or replacing the three card-board air-deflector
parts (bottom, left & right). NLA as far as I know and most used ones
are as worn-out as yours and mine. I built new ones out of 1/8" HD
Polyethylene and a heat-gun. I have more time than brains. They look
cool though.
On your reliability question? With reasonable Coolant Maintenance, I
couldn't justify a spiffy three-pass OEM VW Dealer Radiator. I also
don't have AC and usually avoid the Desert in the summer time. I have
made a couple of rationalizations and compromises here too..... 8-)
If cost is not an issue, go with the OEM three-pass core. At this
price-point check your local Hot-Rod shops for custom-made racing
radiators. Your Subie will be a cool-running cucumber under any and all
running conditions..... Will it last longer than an average aftermarket
Radiator?
I dunno. The OEM one lasted 18 years, the aftermarket one has been in
for two years. Check back in 16 years or so Dustin.... In the mean
time... enjoy your subie powered rocket.
regards
Phil Zimmerman
Campbell River, BC
