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Painting radiator core

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019.

  1. Jul 16, 2019 #1
    Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I'm getting ready to put my radiator in and I was wondering if I can paint the actual core part of it.

    I don't want to clog the fins but I noticed whenever I bought a new radiator they are painted.
     
    Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019
    Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019
    #1
    Intothesunset and A5¢ Thank this.
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  3. Jul 16, 2019 #2
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    We've sent rads, ATAs and hydraulic coolers out for cleaning/repair and they always come back painted. We've never had an issue I can think of but my personal thoughts are that heat will transfer better if the core is left unpainted.
     
    AModelCat, Jul 16, 2019
    AModelCat, Jul 16, 2019
    #2
    MartinFromBC, Intothesunset, BoxCarKidd and 2 others Thank this.
  4. Jul 16, 2019 #3
    A5¢

    A5¢ Medium Load Member

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    I painted mine and I do agree with AModelCat, but mine is not a working truck. I do know that it takes a lot of paint to color it. All of those fins suck up tons of paint.
     
    A5¢, Jul 16, 2019
    A5¢, Jul 16, 2019
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  5. Jul 16, 2019 #4
    Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I did paint it, but I set my gun not to shoot a heavy coat.

    I did not take a picture but I think it turned out nicely.
     
    Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019
    Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019
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    Rideandrepair, A5¢ and Intothesunset Thank this.
  7. Jul 16, 2019 #5
    Intothesunset

    Intothesunset Road Train Member

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    Did you get that old cab out of your yard?
     
    Intothesunset, Jul 16, 2019
    Intothesunset, Jul 16, 2019
    #5
  8. Jul 16, 2019 #6
    Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    Still there...

    But it turns out that since I went from an electronic engine to a mechanical one, I need to wire the tach and the coolant gauge.

    Glad I did not get rid of it because I have all the wires I need right there from the factory. Right gauge wire and everything.
     
    Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019
    Dino soar, Jul 16, 2019
    #6
    Rideandrepair and Intothesunset Thank this.
  9. Jul 16, 2019 #7
    Intothesunset

    Intothesunset Road Train Member

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    Bummer for everyone else.
     
    Intothesunset, Jul 16, 2019
    Intothesunset, Jul 16, 2019
    #7
  10. Jul 17, 2019 #8
    Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I was going to suggest radiator paint, It’s just thinned our paint. Available at any major auto parts store. Maybe just a gimmick, but I’ve used it on my condensor, in the past. Last one, a few mo.s back just did like you regular paint, light coats. Did you re seal radiator tanks, or just tighten up? Must have fixed the leaks, getting painted. Good deal
     
    Rideandrepair, Jul 17, 2019
    Rideandrepair, Jul 17, 2019
    #8
    Dino soar and Intothesunset Thank this.
  11. Jul 18, 2019 #9
    Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    There were just two bolts that were loose. I tightened them up and that was the only leak.

    I have a spare radiator that I need to put new gaskets around the side covers and test that one.

    It's nice to have spare parts.
     
    Dino soar, Jul 18, 2019
    Dino soar, Jul 18, 2019
    #9
    Intothesunset and Rideandrepair Thank this.
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