I work in a radiator shop and we put boards under the core and step on it then for side channels use vise grip to grab then hit vise grip with hammer to pull it straight then pressure test and alum braze any damage. If diamond shaped use bar clamp to pull it square. Aluminum does not like being hammered on even with mallet.
never thought you could actually straighten a radiator. Will save buying a new one for my MX-5, I know it's a car but all radiators are the same, right? cheers for the video.
So my new tusk rad got bent when my 2 dollar tiedown let go. I was pretty ticked. Looks like crappy weather coming up thanks to a hurricane, so I may fix it this coming weekend. I was watching this video and had an idea. I may try using a Black and Decker Workmate to get it square. That would address the uneven tanks and the bulge on the frame side. Then the pushed in part could be straightened out with the wood and mallet. The Workmate may be a bit more gentle way to square it . . . .
Never knew you could straighten one that much, good job. If it does have a slight leak do you carry any sealant additive such as one would put in their auto radiator?
Thanks! Unfortunately we don't carry any radiator sealant. Depending on where the leak is at, it's possible to use some sort of aluminum epoxy or even weld it but I would stay away from any powder or liquid sealants you pour in your radiators.
These additives can mess up your whole water cooling system. Seen this on so many customer cars, where we had to replace or disassemble all involved parts to get this stuff out of the system, due to clogging and overheating.
Great vid. I have a mostly twisted oversized radiator on my 2010 rmz250. It doesn't leak for the last year, but what are the chances of it leaking after I bend it back?
You show how to clean them and fix them but maybe I want to buy a new one yet you guys still don’t sell many for specific bikes only for 450 and 500s what about the 250s the 125s?
How do you determine if it needs to be repaired? One of mine is just barely smooshed but not enough that the space between the fins is blocked, you can still see through easily.
If it's just smooshed but the fins look to be in good shape and no cracks, then you'll be fine. Sometimes a bent radiator just looks bad cosmetically, but if it's bad enough, in can definitely affect cooling performance and should be fixed up.
There are tons of dirt bike riders who are on a budget or have older bikes that are difficult to find radiators for, if they can be found at all. Using these techniques is still doing the job the right way and can save you a lot of money and time. But by all means if you can afford new radiators, go for it! Thanks for checking out the video!
What's the gnarliest time you mangled up your radiators?!
Rocky Mountain ATV MC Juab Endurocross! I hit one big a$$ tire on my #yz250! It was MANGLED!!!
I went down a week ago, heading to the garage to spend some quality time with the 2t 🤣🤣
Won’t the rad crack or break then leak?
i was hitting a double and i layed it down onn the jump and flattended my radiator
I work in a radiator shop and we put boards under the core and step on it then for side channels use vise grip to grab then hit vise grip with hammer to pull it straight then pressure test and alum braze any damage. If diamond shaped use bar clamp to pull it square. Aluminum does not like being hammered on even with mallet.
This may be my favorite how to video ever. Thank you!!
It's wild how quickly you improved the general shape of that radiator.
never thought you could actually straighten a radiator. Will save buying a new one for my MX-5, I know it's a car but all radiators are the same, right?
cheers for the video.
Great tutorial Charles. Many thanks to you and RMATV!
Bummed I still tweaked my radiator a tad even with braces😕I could only imagine what it would’ve looked like without them so that’s a plus.
So my new tusk rad got bent when my 2 dollar tiedown let go. I was pretty ticked. Looks like crappy weather coming up thanks to a hurricane, so I may fix it this coming weekend. I was watching this video and had an idea. I may try using a Black and Decker Workmate to get it square. That would address the uneven tanks and the bulge on the frame side. Then the pushed in part could be straightened out with the wood and mallet. The Workmate may be a bit more gentle way to square it . . . .
Never knew you could straighten one that much, good job. If it does have a slight leak do you carry any sealant additive such as one would put in their auto radiator?
Thanks! Unfortunately we don't carry any radiator sealant. Depending on where the leak is at, it's possible to use some sort of aluminum epoxy or even weld it but I would stay away from any powder or liquid sealants you pour in your radiators.
These additives can mess up your whole water cooling system. Seen this on so many customer cars, where we had to replace or disassemble all involved parts to get this stuff
out of the system, due to clogging and overheating.
Best dirt channel, thanks for video
We appreciate the views, glad you like it!
You guys have any tip on how to fix a smashed radiator inlet tube? I smashed mine in a crash. Thanks.
I've got 2 crunched radiators, the left one is still usable but the right is absolutely mangled, lets see if this works lol
Great video. Thank you. Will be needed
Well thats cool i need to do this to one. thanks for all the great products & videos.
Damn thank you I have some really expensive radiators fell on the side and this happened
The swollen radiator boils and water comes out
Crf450r 2010 how to fix ? Thanks 🙏
Thx for the tips.🙏
Took my plastics ls off to begin the work and noticed a big dent on my tank too, can it be pdr'd?
Well done, great tutorial.
THANK YOU!!!
Great vid. I have a mostly twisted oversized radiator on my 2010 rmz250. It doesn't leak for the last year, but what are the chances of it leaking after I bend it back?
Just go slowly as you bend it back. Depends on how bad of shape it's in.
You show how to clean them and fix them but maybe I want to buy a new one yet you guys still don’t sell many for specific bikes only for 450 and 500s what about the 250s the 125s?
The aftermarket rads on Amazon or Ebay with the big welds are only 30$ , factory rad is 300$
Good ideal.
How do you determine if it needs to be repaired? One of mine is just barely smooshed but not enough that the space between the fins is blocked, you can still see through easily.
If it's just smooshed but the fins look to be in good shape and no cracks, then you'll be fine. Sometimes a bent radiator just looks bad cosmetically, but if it's bad enough, in can definitely affect cooling performance and should be fixed up.
@@rmatvmc Thanks for the quick reply, you guys and gals are awesome!
@@Matt43 you bet! have fun out there.-Chase
Dope rm 💪
Hi
hello
How r u
Seems likely you'll have leaks when bent that badly
I can’t get my radiator guard off. It’s all smashed.
Heat?
Sure helps.
Benim motorun radyatör’ünü Tır ezdi dostum
#44
👌👌👌👍👍👍
Bruv I’d just buy a new one
Just buy new radiators, dirt bikes are NOT a budget friendly hobby, so do it right or don't do it at all.
There are tons of dirt bike riders who are on a budget or have older bikes that are difficult to find radiators for, if they can be found at all. Using these techniques is still doing the job the right way and can save you a lot of money and time. But by all means if you can afford new radiators, go for it! Thanks for checking out the video!