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Gooserider · 07-24-2003, 01:28 AM

I just purchased a new rad / heater core from NAPA auto (Belkamp # 660-3112, or Fedco 2-342) They had the best price of any of the sources I checked, and I've found NAPA generally has much better than average quality parts.

The core is one that is considered obsolete in the auto world, (a pity as it is one of the best for large W/C applications) so I had to special order it, and my girlfriend picked it up on her way home from work.

When I got it, I found that it looked reasonably good, but it fails the 'Rattle Test' - there is something in it the tanks that rattles around when you shake the unit, possibly several somethings

I suspect that they might be solder balls, or other bits of debris from the manufacturing process. I haven't pressure tested the core yet, but don't have any obvious reasons to suspect a leak. This core has really weird long twisted I/O pipes coming off of it, so I can't see into it at all.

I have tried shaking the bits out, but so far at least, have not gotten anywhere with it.

1. Is this normal?
2. Do I need to worry about getting the rattling bits out?
3. If so, any suggestions as to HOW?

If I need to, I won't hesitate to take this core back, but this means I can't trim the I/O pipes to normal W/C lengths until I figure out if I need to.

BTW, once I trim the pipes, any suggestions as to ways I can put a barb type ridge on the cut end so as to help ensure the tubing can't come off it? I would just as soon not try to solder a regular barb on, but instead would like to create a ridge in the pipe like the stock ends have.

Thanks,

Gooserider

07-24-2003, 01:28 AM	#1
Gooserider Cooling Savant Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North Billerica, MA, USA Posts: 451	Rattling Radiator I just purchased a new rad / heater core from NAPA auto (Belkamp # 660-3112, or Fedco 2-342) They had the best price of any of the sources I checked, and I've found NAPA generally has much better than average quality parts. The core is one that is considered obsolete in the auto world, (a pity as it is one of the best for large W/C applications) so I had to special order it, and my girlfriend picked it up on her way home from work. When I got it, I found that it looked reasonably good, but it fails the 'Rattle Test' - there is something in it the tanks that rattles around when you shake the unit, possibly several somethings I suspect that they might be solder balls, or other bits of debris from the manufacturing process. I haven't pressure tested the core yet, but don't have any obvious reasons to suspect a leak. This core has really weird long twisted I/O pipes coming off of it, so I can't see into it at all. I have tried shaking the bits out, but so far at least, have not gotten anywhere with it. 1. Is this normal? 2. Do I need to worry about getting the rattling bits out? 3. If so, any suggestions as to HOW? If I need to, I won't hesitate to take this core back, but this means I can't trim the I/O pipes to normal W/C lengths until I figure out if I need to. BTW, once I trim the pipes, any suggestions as to ways I can put a barb type ridge on the cut end so as to help ensure the tubing can't come off it? I would just as soon not try to solder a regular barb on, but instead would like to create a ridge in the pipe like the stock ends have. Thanks, Gooserider __________________ Designing system, will have Tyan S2468UGN Dual Athlon MOBO, SCSI HDDS, other goodies. Will run LINUX only. Want to have silent running, minimal fans, and water cooled. Probably not OC'c