Behr Rads No Longer Sleeved?
 

I just bought a Nissens radiator from Phil at the Parts Shop (great price and great service, BTW. Got it the next morning!) and was entertaining the idea of returning it and buying the Behr as the Nissens does not have the reinforced hose necks. Phil told me that his sources say that the latest Behrs no longer have the reinforcing sleeves either.

Can anyone confirm this, or know what they might have done to re-engineer the neck area to prevent cracking/separating? I find it hard to believe that they've just gone back to the old version without some improvement in materials or design. The Nissens neck is very thin, and it seems it wouldn't take much embrittlement to eventually do it in, I think.

BTW, I'm guessing that replacing hoses when they show evidence of becoming hard and stiff might prevent some of the problems. I would imagine that engine vibration and rocking being transmitted thru the hose might be one of the culprits.

I've sent an email off to Behr asking for clarification, but I don't expect a reply for probably at least a few days.

Just looking for some peace of mind...

Gary

I would go to a hardware or plumbing supply store, and get some kind of metal tubing that will just fit in the hole.

I think some have used copper, but I think aluminum might be better.

I bought my behr locally from my mechanic last year. it had the reinforced neck. Check the DIY page for w124 radiator and you can see pics showing it.

Alon

Local radiator shop in my area sells Behr's among other brands. Parts guys I spoke with a few weeks ago told me that the Behr's have reinforced necks.

There are lots of places to buy Behr radiators. You will not have trouble finding what you want. You just have to find the right supplier.

According to the radiator shop
 

next to my tech's place (Exclusive Motors), they have stopped shipping with the re-enforced neck.

He said both the new rads and the 'tanks' do not come with the reenforcing neck. His shop can just replace the 'tanks' for a radiator that is otherwise ok!

Guess the reinforced ones were too well made and lasted too long.

Cuts down on the "radiater every five years" business, doesn't it?

Ken300D

Don't count on the hardness of your radiator hose as a indicator of when the spout is going to break, as my 190's radiator spout broke off and the hose was a pliable as new.