[Vwdiesel] FW: Thermostat temps

[R West]

Quite a few years back when I bought a new radiator for an 81 PU, I had the
option of getting the old faithful tube & fin design, or the new style
consisting of, two plastic end caps sandwiched with gaskets (silicone?) to
an aluminum core, held together with multiple mechanical crimps (similar
design in the new style heater core). The tube & fin as you would expect was
about $40 dollars more (The plastic parts are in our cars because they’re
cheaper not because they are the most reliable). As to where to get the old
stuff now, your pretty much have to take what the market offers (not much
left in the salvage yards, and always in questionable condition). Plastic
parts are here to stay!

Regarding the failure of my 91 Jetta mentioned previously, the car was about
10 years old, and had been in my possession for about 8 years before it
failed. Don’t know if it was an OE core or a failed replacement. In either
case I don’t believe you can attribute it directly to infant mortality or
early life failure, i.e. the original batch related pattern failures. I’ve
also had problems with the new style radiators (mostly leaking at the seal).
I’m sure the MTBF numbers for the new parts meet the expectations of most
(particularly the Auto industry). However, many of us that have been around
a while have seen very old OEM radiators still working reliably. Yes
 I know
many of the old system were low pressure, and hence my point.

For us old timers trying to milk every reliable mile we can out of our baby’
s, some over 25 years old, running at 0 psig and reducing stress on all the
old parts (particularly the plastic junk) in the cooling system has
significant appeal. Don’t know what problems (high terminal temp, corrosion,
etc.) may be associated with using the waterless coolant (anyone with
experience chime in), but I still think it bears serious investigation and
consideration!   Regards


-----Original Message-----
From: rumple stiltskin [mailto:stiltskin1969 at yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, February 03, 2007 6:34 PM
To: R West
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Thermostat temps

and just where do we still get teh old style brass / copper heater cores and
radiators

for A1 's etc.,

mike