Fake Behr parts??

[Mysterytrain]

I'm hoping that someone here can help me. I just received a Behr engine mounted oil cooler from a Chicago based pano/ebay vendor that had advertised it as being a new- factory- part. You can do a search on ebay if you desire. Anyway, the unit looks nice but I'm concerned that its a fake. I only have my 26 year old '78 cooler to compare it too but...number one its painted, the engine side casting has the word Behr cast in it but the casting is very crude as compared to the original. The word BEHR has the top loop of the B left open ) like a backward 3 and the top loop of the R is also left open. The casting that faces away from the engine has the normal part number stamp 91110704100 but the word BEHR is not there as it is on my original. The number 9801 is there instead. There where two rubber collars taped to the engine side casting in the holes where the seals would go. The tape had a powdery residue stuck to it..there was also more inside. The fitted brown box it came in had no markings but had a section of the top cardboard surface removed that may have indicated where it was made. Any info you can provide on what a new cooler looks like these days would be greatly appreciated. I need to stop payment if this is a fake and blow the whistle. If I'm being an ass about this let me know... thanks, Ron

[Thomas Owen]

Did you ever get any more information about this?

[BGCarrera32]

You could try contacting them:

http://www.behrgroup.com/produkte/thermo/index.php

Sounds like the lettering is correct...could be made in China now...

[john walker's workshop]

the open loop letters are standard.

[Mysterytrain]

I've been calling around and it appears that the official Behr part is not painted. It is also my understanding that the open letters are the current font for Behr. I was told by one vendor that what I have is a replica part. It is made in the states and is of decent quality. As for the powdery residue?? Not sure I want that crap running thru my fresh $$$$ rebuild. I will try to take some pictures of my 78 cooler and this new imposter before I return it. I would post a link to the ebay page but I'm not sure Wayne would like me to do that. Still looking for more info..new it had to be to good to be true..$295 !! I'm sure you guys remember me..I'm the guy with the sc with a hole in the case...now it appears I have one in my head for being so foolish.

[RickM]

Best way to get info is to contact them....as BG suggested.

[Mysterytrain]

Yep, just fired off an email to Behr. I also called my Chicago vendor werks and of course they gave me the 'geez, you're kidding..we were told...Unfortunately, I need to return this part ASAP and get billing straight. I promise to get the pix.

[Wayne 962]

Pelican sells only OEM parts (except where specifically noted). While we can no longer guarantee that parts made by Bosch, Behr, ATE, are actually manufactured in Germany, they are the real deal.

-Wayne

[unimog]

Originally posted by Mysterytrain
I'm hoping that someone here can help me. I just received a Behr engine mounted oil cooler from a Chicago based pano/ebay vendor that had advertised it as being a new- factory- part.

I hope this is not the Chicago based seller {Parts Werks} your are talking about...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=7526

Boy they are running 31 reported negative feedbacks per month, so only 1 crappy sale per day. Good luck if it them.

[Randy Webb]

Well, what did you buy -- was it described as a Behr? Or as a cooler to fit a Porsche? Depending on that you might be stuck. You could also contact the seller and ask: Is it a Behr? Then go from there.

[ChrisBennet]

If you like the Fart Werks oil cooler you might try their crappy non-fitting replica oil lines as well.
-Chris

[BGCarrera32]

Originally posted by Randy Webb
...You could also contact the seller and ask: Is it a Behr? Then go from there.

Well, considering it says "Behr" on it, whaddya think their gonna say?

"Naw shucks, just kidding..."

[Mysterytrain]

Thanks to all that responded..Yes, that is the company in question. Yes, I called today and spoke to Jay..who gave me an RA # that I'm sure was made up on the spot. Yes, I called my credit card company and went thru the song and dance with them. Yes, I contacted Behr and If I get any static from Jay about a refund I will send the pictures to Behr. Most likely I'll do that anyway. Will also report them to BBB. Last resort will be a 'jersey like soprano solution'..nothing personal just business. Spoke with lots of vendors and I should have known better the price was to good to be true. EBS told me they have seen these replica coolers around and that they weren't that bad quality. Still with the white powder in the oil 'goesinta /goesoutta' holes I don't think I want this in my oil loop. I will get pictures for you all and post them. kickin' myself..'cause they were flaky on the phone when I placed the order. For record..I did ask if this was Behr, OEM and original, new part..oh yes of course, sure it is!

[Randy Webb]

"Well, considering it says "Behr" on it, whaddya think their gonna say?"

IF he is going to go to court, then having the guy directly lie to him will be very helpful....

[Mysterytrain]

Well I promised some pictures so here is the first batch as a test.
Top cooler is the 78 bottom is the imposterlast picture is the powder from the oil input and output openings. Also if you go to the ebay auction the cooler in the picture clearly has the word BEHR where mine has the number 9801

[Mysterytrain]

If you notice the casting on the first picture I sent there seems to be a raised area around the numbers and words..like a very crude 'cut and paste' Ok, this batch is the 'german' packaging notice the interesting removal of labels.

[Mysterytrain]

Better view of engine side castings first is 78, second is the replica.
Second pair is the other end of the cooler
third pair is side

[RickM]

Sure does look like the ID marks were cut off a real unit and layed into a sand cast mold. That's the powder, right? Or maybe a mold release agent. Probably straight from the family owned foundry in China.

I have to admit that the welding job looks better on the repro.

[Mysterytrain]

My thoughts too Rick...guess this would be a great money maker for rip off engine builders..once you bolt this sucker on the cheesy casting is hidden forever against the case.

[Randy Webb]

Huh - what state do you live in? NY & CA have good consumer protection laws.

It will be interesting to see what Behr says about this -- you might get to be lead plaintiff for Mr. Spitzer. Or you might win a lifetime supply of oil coolers from Behr.