Replace the radiator
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Buy an original, used or imported part
Kawasaki ZX6R 636 Model 2002 Sports Car Restoration Saga: Episode 16
But what is a radiator? Is that what heats up the bike in order to warm it up? In fact, the opposite is true! The radiator is used to dissipate the heat of the coolant, the coolant that is used to regulate the temperature of the engine, the engine which, if it gets too hot, can break down.
Roughly speaking, it looks like a "board" consisting of fins that promote heat exchange between the surrounding air and the coolant. It consists of a reservoir with liquid inlet and outlet pipes. It looks a bit like the back of the refrigerator, but here it is in front of the engine and behind the plug.
In short, let's get back to my story.
While I was finishing replacing the spikes in the previous episode, I was told about filming the next day in the garage with participation. So I have to quickly make space before the bike is tucked in. The manager in charge that evening invites me to put the motorcycle on the cart and push it to the spot a few meters.
I told you I don’t feel it, but then I don’t at all. Proof! He is in a hurry, relaxed and arrives with the specified equipment, puts his bike on top of him and starts shooting, while I “assure” him by holding the back loop. I feel it even less. I am trying to insure and restrain the motorcycle. It's not stable enough (fast, strap, something, in short, enough to stabilize it) and the ground isn't ...
He shoots. A caster in a wooden tome. In slow motion, the bike begins to slide from the "devil" as it continues to move forward. Incompatible, like driving, what ... Recall that the Kawasaki 636 no longer has a fork. As a reminder, I recently cleaned a radiator while disassembling a motorcycle that I assembled on a motorcycle so that it doesn't take up too much space on my site.
What do you think happened? The bike is ripe, the guy is ripe, and I can only watch the scene helplessly. Between rage and amazement, I see the ZX land on its "wheel step", the radiator first ... I remember that I can, so that it does not go on the side. The harm is done.
Disgusting and adrenaline-fueled, I bring it back to the strength of my hands on this damn thing on wheels and push it into its place where I lay it like a wounded animal, waiting for the straps to be brought to me. I look at her. Finally, rather, I look at the radiator, the only one that has suffered (thanks to the wooden floor). If earlier he was not very in shape, despite the fact that I cleaned and restored it, here it is now literally deformed, distorted by a blow, exploded in short, but honestly. I understand: I need a quick and economical solution: it will soon die. I'm so upset that I forget to take pictures.
Finding a new radiator
The diagnosis is confirmed quickly: the aluminum legs did not resist the impact, and there is too much damage. It needs to be renovated by a professional, but do I have the time, resources and choice? I am reviewing my research on the internet after a crash after cleaning a radiator. In Bir? At around 240 euros adaptable if my memories are good. Sometimes? They weren't there. In the new one? 650 € ... Also, I remember seeing one for almost 129 € on Motovision.
At this price, I don't have many illusions about the part, but the quality is demanded by the seller and the delivery is fast: 48 hours maximum. Moreover, I had a sign on the phone during my previous research (I didn't know) and they are very cute and based on the Strasbourg side. It is calming. I order online as soon as I get home (individual) and have it delivered directly to the garage to participate. Okay, I wanted a nice radiator, but not under these circumstances ...
Installing a new radiator
Luckily I didn't restart the water circuit! It must be said that it is not easy with a bulk cylinder head. At least I will have a box free of charge to replace a new radiator. I receive it the next day after ordering! Hats off to efficiency. I made some predictions. At this price, I expect a certain quality Chinese. Not surprisingly, if it is 6 times cheaper than in Kawasaki, it is not only because of the manufacturer's concern to make a margin. When I unpack, I only see that in life you also cannot have everything.
The ultra-lightweight heatsink isn't one of the brightest aspects. It's very black, that's all. On the other hand, the radiator cap confirms my suspicions: it is full of Chinese and we are even entitled to a small circuit that we would not even put on a sink drain. Kitsch. Fortunately, the original cover is compatible.
On the other hand, I immediately wonder if the radiator is rather Italian and not produced on the Pisa side: it is veiled, at least at an angle from the house, in a bias. Not a small veil, no, a big full way overlooked. I am trying to do a blank montage. It can be held in place with fasteners and straightened slightly cold. Legs are stronger than they look. Two solutions: I send it back and get a refund, or I try all of this for this.
On the one hand, I couldn't find a cheaper one. On the other hand, I know that in a more or less long-term perspective I would like to put another, more serious one into production. The perceived quality is in no way comparable to the real piece of jewelry that makes up the original radiator.
Buy Chinese, Buy Twice adage has been checked. It remains to be seen whether it will fulfill its update function. Go, I'll ride it. I connect hoses to it and only see that everything is in order. Good point anyway and great troubleshooting anyway. Awarded for sale, we will see when the engine restarts what it gives for use. To be continued…
Remember
- Thinking the worst before it happens is sometimes helpful.
- The strap is a friend of the mechanic, it is always useful to have it at hand
Not to do
- Save money on the purchase of a liquid-cooled radiator. Better to choose OEM quality: original or higher type. He has a price, but he avoids coming back to him.
- Let it be done or done too quickly when it comes to moving a motorcycle that no longer has wheel (s).
Tools:
- socket and socket wrench,
- Screwdriver
Deliveries:
- radiator for 129 €
