22 My radiator leaks, what should I do?
Description
This article is from the VW Technical FAQ, by with numerous contributions by Jan Vandenbrande others.
22 My radiator leaks, what should I do?
A: Replace it. In most VWs this is pretty easy to do (1 hr), and a new
radiator (which is = OEM) can be had for around 100-150US$. The hard part,
esp. in older cars and in Europe, is finding the right radiator. Even VW
does not keep track of what car left the factory with what radiator.
Furthermore, the serial numbers are not very useful because they may not be
available anymore.
What you need to do is first measure the core length of the radiator, then
determine whether it has an external recovery tank, and then determine
whether it is screw in mount (mostly pre-82) or the newer pin-points
(Wolfsport has some good explanation of this).
Now you need to decide whether you want the same radiator, or a larger one.
Most VWs come pre-drilled to accept certain larger radiators.
Larger radiators are used in cars with A/C, or if the car is destined for a
warmer climate (though that may not be where the car is sold).
You also may want to install the largest possible radiator if you
autocross, do long desert runs or tow something.
A larger radiator allows a larger cooling capacity, which means it can
dissipate heat quicker. This does NOT mean that it will run cooler on
*average* because that's controlled by the thermostat (a.k.a. "aquastat" in
some places).
Some 3rd party places (e.g., JC Whitney) sell generic radiators with a
conversion kit which are much harder to install, and not recommended.
Whatever you do, avoid the temptation to use one of those Stop Leak
products at all cost because it'll block more than just your leak (like the
heater core). rgolen@UMASSD.EDU
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