re: Re: Spider radiator problems

[Jay Negrin <jmnegrin@domain.elided>]

Scott -

A couple of suggestions in re mounting the electric fan.  First, in re
brazing tabs to the header tanks.  If the tabs are to be installed, they
should be soldered, as that is how a brass radiator is held together
anyhow.  I might suggest fashioning tabs of steel (ooh, did I say
that?), sized as needed, and bolting/rivetting to the bulkhead that the
radiator is mounted to.  You can position these for the fan to to go in
front of the radiator, or behind, as you wish.  It is also less
permanent than the straps attached (however it is done) to the radiator
itself.

All the rest seems good advice. I will double the thought, though, that
as long as the radiator is out of the car, this is the time to do
any/all maintenance and mods up in the nose area.  All are easier with
that huge chunk of metal out of that way.  And, you don't have to waste
the coolant next time, because there won't be a next time, at least for
a long while, hopefully.

Jay Negrin
ARO So Cal
76 Alfetta GT - Getting ready for Alfiesta 2002 - week of July 4th in
Southern California
_ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __ __ _
From: Scott Fisher , replying to;
- --- Ed Lutz <edlutz@domain.elided> wrote:
>
> Anyone know anything about any options I have?

<<Well, if you ever had any ideas on replacing the engine-driven fan
with an electric one, now's the time - -- do it while the radiator is
out, it's SO much
easier, whether you do it the easy way (nylon tabs through the core) or
the right way (braze straps to the sides of the radiator and mount the
fan on them).

You might search the Yellow Pages for a good old-fashioned radiator
repair shop near you and see if they can replace the core, retaining
your header tank (unless of course it's what has ruptured) and mounting
tabs in the stock locations.  If you've ever had cooling system
"issues," you can usually upgrade to additional rows of tubes at the
same time.  Note that this specialty shop may be harder to find, as
modern cars move to an increased use of plastic in header tanks and
fittings on radiators.

And finally: check your cooling system hoses now, as it's relatively
easy to get to them with the radiator removed.  If there's any
deterioration in them, replace them with new hoses.  It has been
suggested to me by an Alfa mechanic that the 2L's tendency to dribble a
little oil into the cooling system can
weaken the hoses internally -- and while I know you say you've got a
1750 in this car, it's a good
admonition for others with older 2Ls who might be reading. >>

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