Re: Radiator cores

[sidney_gage@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Sidney Gage)]

The radiator in my 750 spider has been recored/repaired twice with no
problems. It has a nice efficient three-row core. (Simon knows why it was
repaired the latest time.)

Sid Gage

>
>Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 15:11:53 -0600
>From: Simon Favre <simon@domain.elided>
>Subject: Re: Radiator cores
>
>I think you're getting a bum steer. I've never heard of crystallized solder.
>Radiator cores are welded or brazed together so they can be soldered to the
>top and bottom tanks without the tubes coming loose. If all that was wrong
>with your radiators was bad solder, they could be unsoldered and resoldered.
>This is normally what they do to rod out a plugged core.
>
>Is the 750 radiator a different size from the 101? I had a 101 radiator
>re-cored a while back, and not only did I get a core that fit the tanks, it
>had a better style of fins that last longer than the original. The original
>and standard fin arrangement for decades was to have the fins zig-zag
>across the space between the tubes. This has a problem when the fins get
>damaged, the tubes can split. The new style has fins that go straight across
>the core, with the tubes going thru holes in the fins. This makes the fins
>a lot stronger, and the tubes last longer. I had no problem getting a core
>put into my radiator with the original side plates.
>
>The best way to make sure the brackets line up with the car is to solder
>them on in the car. The brackets can be tacked on with weak solder joints
>then resoldered after bolting it in. The bottom ends can probably be done
>first, then adjust the tops to line up with the brackets. Stress on the side
>brackets is one way to guarantee continual radiator problems. (AMHIK) ;=(
>
>I think you should take your radiators to another shop for a second opinion.
>That's what you get for asking about Alfa radiators in Michigan. <g> The
>old-timer probably wants to put a Detroit or Dearborn item in your car...
>
>Peter Pleitner wrote:
>
>>I have my two 750 Giuliettas (B & F) going together in Michigan.  Have been
>>told by old-timer at radiator shop that the solder has crystallized.  New
>>cores are needed.  Was told that no similar cores (tube/fins) are available,
>>and no metric sizes.  In addition the closest fit in inches is about 2 mm
>>too thick, so side panels don't fit (have to be made new).  Also was warned
>>that a fixture to locate four mounting holes is required, otherwise rebuilt
>>unit will probably not fit.
>

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