[200q20v] Radiator Woes

[stevequattro at aol.com]

Adam,
Reducing cooling capacity is never a good idea, unless maybe you live in
Alaska.
The 200 series as it left the factory, was not intended to be "raced all the
time".  It is a 4dr luxury sedan.  The 20v is a higher performance version
which generates considerable heat and therefore was given adequate cooling
capacity.


You should be able to get the correct radiator that will allow the use of the
auxiliary radiator for less than $400. It should last as long as your
original radiator did.
This radiator is rare as it was only used on the 200 20v but it is readily
available from places like the Parts Connection (Rod) or check the archives.
I seem to remember a thread on prices etc. a few months back. There is more
than one alternative to the dealer out there.

If you have more time and patience, you should be able to get the all metal
radiator for the 5000tq/10v 200 (~$200) and have provisions installed for use
of the auxiliary radiator.  This should be in the archives as well.  This is
a common dilemma for 200 20v owners at around 100k-160k miles when the
original radiator tends to go.  It is almost always related to the plastic
end caps. They seem to get brittle after years of exposure to the under hood
heat.
This solution will provide MORE cooling capacity and a longer life than the
OEM plastic end radiator.


Steve Hauptmann
South Carolina