Why NOT Refurbish?
Having pulled EZ-RIDER's radiator off to get at the front spark plug, I decided to take some time to refurbish it instead of just slapping it back in place. Everything on EZ-RIDER is in need of attention, and I figured that I would eventually get called to look at that part of the motorcycle again anyways.
Here's what it looked like just before I took it off:
Here's the video of me taking the radiator off:
Post Removal
Once I got the radiator off:
- I flushed it out.
- I washed it.
- I power-washed it.
- I sanded it
- I inspected it
- Where it looked like it was black before, I re-painted it flat black
- Where it looked like it was silver before, I cleaned off the grime and polished it.
- Wherever I could, I replaced the mounting hardware.
Concerns
Electrical:
With respect to electrical, wherever I could, I made sure the electrical connections were working, but I have the following concern:
- The fan does not spin as freely as I would like it to. Its bearings are dirty.
The fan is definitely going to need some attention with some kind of lubricating oil and an external 12v power supply. That's probably enough content to shoot a short video about...so stay tuned!
Circulatory, Hoses & Clamps:
With respect to circulatory, hoses & clamps, things do not look OK.
- When I emptied the radiator, the coolant looked dirty
- When I flushed out the radiator, the coolant looked dirty
- The return hose leading from the bottom of the radiator appears to have a split.
- All of the cooling system hoses look suspicious and unreliable-looking.
- All of the cooling system hose clamps look suspicious and unreliable-looking.
The entire cooling system should probably have all of its hoses and clamps replaced, and at least a clean water flush applied. That's probably enough content to shoot a short video about...so stay tuned!
Where Things Now Stand
Mechanically and cosmetically, the radiator is now looks and works as good as I can make it.
Of course, as noted above, this refurbished unit now needs to be tied into the overall cooling system, which involves hoses, at least one pump, a bunch of hose clamps, a few hose clips and a coolant overflow tank - all of which needs to be checked and verified working.
Looks like there's going to be at least three more coolant-system related videos coming, so stay tuned!
Here's the video that goes over how I refurbished the radiator:
Help a Maker Out?
Did you see anything in this video you want for yourself? If the answer is yes, consider using one of the link(s) below to buy it directly from amazon.com. When you do, I get a small commission that keeps me going!
Bill of Materials
Rust-Oleum 248903 Automotive 12-Ounce High Heat 2000 Degree Spray Paint, Flat Black
https://amzn.to/3996MfO
WORX WG625 20V Hydroshot Cordless Portable Power Cleaner, Black and Orange
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15 pieces Scratch Brush (Stainless Steel + Brass+Nylon), AFUNTA Curved Handle Masonry Wire brush Set Bristle for Cleaning Welding Slag and Rust,5 pcs Per Type
https://amzn.to/2R2japl
WD-40 Multi-Use Product Non-Aerosol Trigger Pro Spray. 20 oz. [1-Pack]
https://amzn.to/30h2nmN
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