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e bay radiators
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Author:  nicholasatkins [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  e bay radiators

Hi,
im up for a new radiator, anyone had experience with the aluminium radiators on ebay. they seem too cheap not sure the quality is going to be great on them and will they fit in the standard shroud? or should I be looking at one from say mini sport?

thanks

Author:  ryan [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

I can't speak for the ebay ones, but the originals can be repaired very cheaply.

I had the tanks removed and cleaned on mine and a new core fitted. good as new and only cost about $200.

Ryan

Author:  Mick [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

There's been a few of them used around here. You don't hear many comments about them, apart from the fact they're being used....so that may be a good thing...(?) They've been around a few years, so some long term experiences should be good.

I'm with Ryan. The originals can be claened and rodded out if they're in good shape. Copper is still copper after 50 years. Last one I had done cost a little under 90 dollars and does good service on a 1330 in the summer heat.

Author:  goodie [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

I know a few people that are running them , no drama's , they work well .

There has been quite a few posts on here about these radiators , and the general consensus is that they are well worth the money .

I've been tempted to buy one as a spare to put on the shelf , they are cheap enough .

Author:  mini0998 [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 6:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

I brought one of the ebay $115 cheap alloy radiators. This has been its second summer now and no dramas what so ever. Engine temp sits on 85 degrees, even on a 40 degree day. I fitted an expansion tank as it has that type of radiator cap fitted. No coolant top ups since I fitted it.
I got the 60mm wide one (50mm wide core) which was NOT a straight fit. I had to cut a bit off the fan shroud and lengthen fan shroud mounting holes to get it in. No cutting required on the body side though.
I must say I am on the whole happy with it.

Author:  timmy201 [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

I got a "Super 2 Core" from Karcraft - about $230 and it fits perfectly and looks pretty close to a stock one. You could buy 2 ebay alloy ones for that much. I didn't think it was worth it in the end - one dodgy join or weld could not just cost you another radiator, but another engine too...

Author:  Gotta_Van [ Thu Feb 13, 2014 11:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

My ebay one has been pretty good in the short time I have had it. I used the original shroud, but if I remember correctly the holes didn't quite line up with where they had welded the bosses. Simple enough to fix, I just drilled the holes in the shroud into slots :)

Author:  boomini [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 8:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

Hey mate. I really skimped cause I was worried about the quality ofthem. I bought a $79 one. The only bad thing I can say about itis it took them 3 weeks to get it too me. Really good quality welding good flow. No leaks.

Worth a shot I say.

Author:  mattsmadmini [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

had mine in for a couple of years now, no dramas, looks rather spiffy too!

Author:  73GT [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 5:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

had mine in 4 yrs, no problem, looks good & is light weight

Author:  Minimadmarty [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

Are there any cooling advantages to alloy radiators?

I would have thought copper was hard to beat!

Author:  boomini [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

Alloy supposably transfers heat better. Plus they look better

Author:  Minimadmarty [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

boomini wrote:
Alloy supposably transfers heat better. Plus they look better


They certainly look good. I might research more on the heat transfer properties of alloy, cheers Rodney :D

Author:  AJ [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

boomini wrote:
Alloy supposably transfers heat better. Plus they look better


A normal old style radiator has brass or steel tubes and headers,brass tanks and copper fins . Copper is MUCH better at heat transfer than aluminium, about the best you can get , the only reason they are using aluminium now is that it is much cheaper ,lighter and cheaper to manufacture a radiator, everything is just welded together ,rather than the time consuming task of soldering everything . Its not too bad at heat transfer although nowhere near as good as copper

Edit: Some large earthmoving equipment and haul pack trucks etc. often have copper tubes and steel tanks . Large bulldozers use steel tubes and headers, for strength in a tough environment ,with copper fins

Author:  boomini [ Fri Feb 14, 2014 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: e bay radiators

I stand corrected. Cheers aj

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