Getting the radiator back from the firm that repaired the radiator was a bit of a trial. They were located about 25 miles from me so I was able to "pop over" and have a word. I finally got the radiator back after three weeks. The repair firm had got hold of a curved core. They then tried to mate it to the existing headers at each end of the core. They headers were shot. The Aluminium had corroded to a state were they would not weld. Sam, the technition, who was doing the work set about fabricating and pair of headers. The manufacteurers headers are usually quite flimsy pressed Aluminium. Sam made a set from plate Aluminium. As it was plate it is much thicker, which I guess makes it easier to weld. The welding is not machine quality but I do not mind. It is hand made.
On the appointed day of collection I went over the Wednesbury only to find the radiator was not quite finished. I had to kick stones for a few hours. On my return the radiator was ready, paint still tacky.
The next job was to refit the radiator back on the bike. It was then a noticed that Sam had made brackets to replace the corroded items on the original radiator. First job was to refit the fans to the back of the radiator. Stainless steel clip replaced the originals. The left fan went straight on. The right fan did not quite locate onto one of the brackets. Twenty minutes of careful drilling and filing and the bolt lined up. The lick of spray paint to protect the new cut surfaces, replacement clips and the radiator was ready to be refitted. The bolts that retained the radiator were a but rusty. I gave the a brush with the wire brush and spray of paint and they too were ready for the refit. I offered the radiator up and refitted the bolt through the top brackets. The side brackets located smoothly. Well done Sam.One of the my rebuild rules is that any refitted bolts get a cleaning and a dab of Copper grease upon refitting. Depending on the situation the fitted nuts get a slavering of ordinary grease. That should keep the weather off for some time. The hose spiggots lined up perefectly which made refitting the hoses a doddle. I replaced the original hose clamps with a stainless steel option. The electrical plugs for the fans were reconnected and secured to their respective brackets. The header tank was refitted to its off side position and topped up with premixed coolant. The radiator was filled with Putoline NF premixed coolant.
Running the engine up to tempreature to vent the system would have to wait until I refitted the front wheel and suspension.
Putoline NF coolant Volume = 2.5 litres including header tank.
If you need your radiator recored you could do a lot worse than West Mercia Radiators. They are a bit chaotic but I suspect that is because they in demand. They honoured the price they quoted even though did extra work fabrication the headers.
