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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: TC2000 on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 02:42:12 AM

Title: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: TC2000 on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 02:42:12 AM
Hi All,
Do you have feedback on alloy radiator proposed on eb@y?
Many shown for sale, sopposedely made in china.

Mine original one is pretty rotten with unidentified bits wandering inside. I am cosidering fitting new rad and fan.

Thanks
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 05:35:11 AM
The rads on offer vary in the thickness of the core.  The supplied fans are all cheap junk.
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: TC2000 on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 08:54:28 AM
The rads on offer vary in the thickness of the core.  The supplied fans are all cheap junk.
You are right: I see many 62mm and a few 86mm thickness proposed.
Original unit looks around 85mm and coper core. I wonder if the 62mm do the job…
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: Blitzen on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 09:01:22 AM
You are right: I see many 62mm and a few 86mm thickness proposed.
Original unit looks around 85mm and coper core. I wonder if the 62mm do the job…
Why would you consider less surface area with a less conductive material?  Seems like a recipe for overheating issues but I'm no expert.  :confused:
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 09:09:04 AM
Why even take the risk?  Go for the thicker rad.  And, get a much higher output rad fan.
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: 4129R on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 10:13:58 AM
I took my 72 TC deliberately into heavy traffic on a hot day (30'C) to see if it would cope.

The rad measures 70mm thick.

I had no problems.

I use an over-ride switch in case the thermostat doesn't kick in. Just a wire that is switched to earth on the bottom of the dash by the steering wheel.
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: TC2000 on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 11:48:34 AM

The rad measures 70mm thick.

Thanks for feedback, is it an aluminium rad as advertised on ebay?
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: 4129R on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 01:59:31 PM

The rad measures 70mm thick.

Thanks for feedback, is it an aluminium rad as advertised on ebay?

Yes, the very same, with the strange BSP thread for the otter switch.
Title: Re: Feedback on aluminium radiator ?
Post by: TurboFource on Tuesday,August 30, 2022, 02:38:30 PM
I bought the $135 one because it is thicker...will be awhile before the car is going though.