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Thread: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

  1. #1

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    Default Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    I've got a 912 ULS radiator that is starting to leak from old age. I was wondering if anyone has tried the eBay radiators that say they fit the 912, or possibly any other option than the one Kitfox offers for $400!?

  2. #2
    Super Moderator desertdave's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    Have you priced a repair?
    Dave
    KitFox 6 Taildragger
    912 ULS
    Whirlwind 70” Prop
    Garmin G3x
    All around nice guy

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    Quote Originally Posted by desertdave View Post
    Have you priced a repair?
    I didn't even know you could do that. I'll check some local radiator shops...thanks

  4. #4
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    Thanks for that question Ryan. I have a leak in mine after 490hrs flight time. Ive been looking at a replacement as well. Sucks having to take the plane out of service.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  5. #5
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    Eddie, is your leaking radiator the older copper/soldered one, or the newer aluminum radiator?
    I had an old copper one that started leaking about 450 hours; replaced with the new aluminum (which looks much more sturdy heavy-duty) and it is still good after 1200 hours.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  6. #6
    Senior Member efwd's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    It's aluminum. How does a radiator that can be had for <$200 cost $400? Certified? Unfortunately I am unable to know anything about the radiator from Kitfox. The first thing I look for is origin of manufacture. If that is an unknown ( given the current state of things, I can only speculate where things are made if it isn't otherwise stated ) then I just move on. I guess I will look for a repair first. Mine is seemingly dripping only after it cools down. I have no evidence that coolant has leaked in flight. I only find a couple of drips on the floor after it sits a couple days.
    Eddie Forward
    Flying
    SS7, 912iS, Garmin G3X

  7. #7
    Super Moderator desertdave's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    My original brass radiator had 333 hours and started to leak from a corner. I ordered a new one from Kitfox which was made to order out of aluminum. It's a bit bigger and I had to modify the holes on the radiator tabs to make it fit but now hopefully all is good.
    Dave
    KitFox 6 Taildragger
    912 ULS
    Whirlwind 70” Prop
    Garmin G3x
    All around nice guy

  8. #8
    Senior Member jrevens's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    Here’s my radiator radiator saga. My 7SS kit came with the old copper radiator, which I was told was made by a Kitfox local company. I pressure tested it before installation and discovered a pinhole leak. I could send it back and Kitfox would have it repaired or send me another one, but decided to have it repaired by a local shop. Then, later in the build, they offered the aluminum ones, which I was told were made in-house. The weight savings was considerable and I decided I needed one of those. I got one of them, mounted it, and had a crazy brainstorm when starting to run the hoses. I decided that there was a better way to do that (for me) than what was possible with the factory radiator. There were some other minor reasons I won’t get into here, but I ended up designing my own radiator and had it built by Ron Davis Racing Products in Arizona.

    I have the aluminum radiator from Kitfox that I would sell at a bargain price. It had been mounted in the airplane, but never used, so the rivets for the mounting brackets have been cleanly removed, leaving the holes. It also has a light coating of zinc chromate primer except on the fins. Make an offer to include shipping.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    John Evens
    Arvada, CO
    Kitfox SS7 N27JE
    EAA Lifetime
    Chap. 43 honorary Lifetime

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator Options?

    FWIW both the radiators I received from Kitfox are the Setrab brand (aluminum). Setrab has around in auto racing since the 70's.

    Rick

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