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Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/22/2009 7:19 PM

I've got this shiny new aluminum radiator and don't know what material is best for the overflow and transmission fluid fittings. I lost the paperwork and got frustrated trying to finding a meaningful galvanic chart, so, what do other people use with their Al radiators? Fittings are standard GM female.

Thanks

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#1

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/22/2009 9:21 PM

The overflow should be a hose connection with a built in bulge to help retain a hose clamp. I think the trans fittings can be steel, or brass. But if you go to www.coolcraft.com they will have the answers. Good luck.

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#2

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/23/2009 9:41 AM

I went back to the source, Ron Davis Racing, and their reply is below:

"For transmission fittings, you can use brass ones. They don't contact the coolant so there isn't a electrolyssis problem."

Thanks,

Lyn

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/24/2009 2:09 AM

OK. Now the BS is out of the way. Send photos.

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#5
In reply to #2

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/24/2009 10:49 AM

Use of brass indeed should be OK, as these can only contact the lines, the radiator itself, and the transmission fluid. Here in Wisconsin where we salt the roads, I'd still opt for steel, preferably stainless, because there may be galvanic corrosion on the OUTSIDE of the part due to wet salt spray. If the lines are steel at this place, then even more preference for steel fittings. I would DEFINITELY coat the line itself, any flare that is NOT in the fluid, and the threads with Anti-Seize, so that it can be taken apart again in a few years.

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#4

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/24/2009 6:59 AM

For Over flow of coolent for all radiator's presently being used trasparent PVC hose.

Regds,

Giridhar. K

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#6

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/25/2009 12:02 PM

Thanks,

Most of your posts made sense. The clear PVC tubing post seemed OT. Think I'll go with SSTL for fittings.

LL

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#7

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/26/2009 8:09 AM

You could always go with AN fittings like the pros use

http://www.holley.com/division/Earls.asp

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#8
In reply to #7

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/26/2009 11:39 PM

The design of the fittings was determined when the radiator was built. His question concerned what material the fittings should be made of.

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/27/2009 11:27 AM

Hay,

Yor were talking about the overflow area fittings.Correct?

What happens if it is plastic, which is comming up now a days......

may be Nylone 66

Davis.

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#10

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/27/2009 11:33 AM

The manufacturer supplies an Al overflow fitting, I'm just looking for the xmission fittings, and I've decided to go with stainless.

Thanks.........

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#11
In reply to #10

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/27/2009 1:55 PM

What's wrong with a used piece of fuel line? I'm sure you have seen that done.

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#12

Re: Aluminum Radiator Fittings

01/27/2009 2:12 PM

Please................

if I ever get this done it's for my wife. It has to be pretty.

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Users who posted comments:

Anonymous Poster (2); bob c (4); Davis (1); lyn (4); Ron (1)

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