Radiator Replacement Question

[Delta Whisky]

Well, now that my tail shimmy is pretty much solved, I undoubtedly disfavored the aviation gods and am being rewarded with another issue. On of my radiators started leaking - again - so I'll be pulling it and sending it off to the same place I used the last two times UNLESS someone has a repair shop they can recommend.

The back story here is I have a SS7 but with the round cowl option which called for two radiators. I'm sure just like a previous version of a KF but since I've not studied the lineage I don't know for sure. If someone else can weigh in with helpful knowledge I sure would appreciate it. Then I could send out a note to see if anyone has one laying around just waiting for me to buy it. Here's what they looked like during the assembly process:

Radiator mounting plate install.jpgEngine radiator install complete.jpg

I'll call the factory tomorrow and see if their configuration files can answer the question also.

Otherwise, I'm looking for someone to build one as the original manufacturer has gone out of business. The first time it leaked I did locate a business that would build one for me but not only would it take a truck full of money to have it made, the cycle time was about 8 months. That would have meant I still would not be in the air and so tried the second pass thru the repair shop. That got me up for most of the summer so I can't complain too much. (Well, maybe I can but it doesn't help any.)

Any and all recommendations will be appreciated??

Darrel

[jiott]

Are those soldered copper/brass radiators? My SS7 kit purchased in 2011 had the single large copper/brass radiator. It sprung a massive leak after only about 300 hours. I replaced it with the new aluminum radiator they sell now; its visually much more heavy duty and has been trouble free for another 1000 hours. If you can find any, I would highly recommend the heavy duty aluminum type. I think the older soldered radiators just don't have the vibration resistance that's necessary for long term reliability.

[Dave S]

My experience identical to Jim's.

For extra points, the new aluminum radiator dropped the oil and coolant temp as well as being 1# lighter than the original copper/brass unit.

No leaks or cracks on the aluminum unit to date.

[Dusty]

I had a leak in my undeslung aluminium radiater.
I found a local hot rodder custom builder to fabricate a new one at a reasonable price.
They said the reason for my failure was my mounting didn't allow for thermal expansion without stress
I'm not sure how the later type are mounted but worth considering.

[Delta Whisky]

Gents, thanks for the responses. I'd like to go with the new aluminum radiator but it won't fit. The round cowl SS7 uses a different engine mount (engine is 4.5 inches aft of where yours is) and doesn't accommodate the new radiator design. I was about to ask Dusty the name and phone number of the hot rod shop he used to have a radiator built but then I saw where he lives. So that's out. Any one know of such a shop in their area?

Thanks again, Darrel

[bumsteer]

Darrell

Do a search for race car shops in your area, There are several. Or you could also look at Earl's, JEGS, Summit Racing, or MotoSport. There are many. Setrab are the radiators Kitfox has been using.

Rick

[Delta Whisky]

Opps - Thanks Rick. Re-reading my original post it is clear to me that I still have work to do to write clearer postings. The radiator I'm needing is of the water variety - that really limits my sources - I think. The good news is I've tested several different search routines and found at least 3 fabrication shops not seen before that are potential sources. I'm traveling right now but will contact them when I get back home and get caught up on everything I'm not doing there now. I have checked the sources you mentioned with zero success. Some were able to recommend potential suppliers but those feel through. Until then, the best question I could ask on this forum is one to the folks that are flying with the split (2) water coolant radiator configuration: if you have had to replace a radiator, where did you go?