I would replace it with one of the metal ones rather that a used one or
non-VW new one.
A used one will have undergone additional stresses and strains of
removing the hoses and installing them again. So even if it would have
had years of life left in it's original van those years may be reduced
by the rough handling used to move it to another van.

Keep in mind that this part combines the very hottest coolant from both
head and sends it to the radiator hose and heater hose.

Mark

On 9/25/2023 9:29 AM, Bob Clemmer wrote:
> 91 2.1 automatic 365K miles.
>
> The nipple for the heater connection failed on the coolant distribution tower.
>
> 1.  Anyone have any experience with the new plastic replacements from various vendors?
> 2.  Thoughts on used off ebay or the samba?
> 3. Experiences with new stainless steel from vendors.
>
> My thoughts are the original lasted 32 years and 365K miles.  Many trips running up and down I-95 in high 90 degree heat to FL.  Some times 20 hours straight.   I don’t see that many cars here with that kind of miles or time on them so I doubt that used would be that well used and may even be better than new Chinese replacement plastic.
>
> Thoughts, comments, and suggestions most welcome.
>
> Bob C
> Perkasie, PA
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows