I dented some of my radiator fins on the back side while installing the new exhaust system on the 10R. Doesn't someone make a radiator comb that will strighten out bent over fins? Any one had any luck with this? Next time the radiator comes off first.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/29/2010 @ 1:08 PM *

https://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=F254810E-D56B-84E2-1F1AD6A6050349E8

There ya go Kruzinator. If the 10's cooling system is situated pretty much like the 14's, that should help you drain and disconnect all hoses from rad. Save all of the coolant to pour back in when reinstalled. Then it's just 3 screws and the thing will drop right out. Weighs ~3 lbs dry. Refer to details on bleeding when you refill the system.

I straightened all the rock strike dents on my 14's rad when I removed to install full system last summer. I just used the blade of an exacto knife. The fins are just a little stiffer than tin foil. They bend back real easy so be careful. You will get that thing like new again. The back is no different than the front for fixing bent fins.

If the bent rad fins don't bother you too much maybe you might as well just wait until next year and replace coolant while you are at it.

nah --you'll have to have that thing pristine, right now, hey?

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/29/2010 @ 1:44 PM *

Well the side fairing has a rather large hot air exhaust opening on the ZX-10R and you can see the radiator pretty clearly and yea it does bother me, it's really a cosmetic issue as the bike is othewise pristine. I'm probably the only one who would ever notice but........ The engine is actually running cooler than before probably because I have ditched the catalytic converter and reduced exhaust back pressure so it's not affecting the cooling at all. The exacto knife idea sounds good, also a single edge razor blade would work as well...good tip Rook!

Anyone tried one of these, if the pitch is right it would make short work out of straightening things out?

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/ATD-3404.html

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/29/2010 @ 2:35 PM *

I just ordered one, $4.82 but UPS ground shipping was almost $9. Oh well, this is good to have in the toolbox, should come in handy.

^^My guess is that thing is going to be nice refining/cleaning tool once the fins are straightened. The aluminum fins are super thin as you can tell by looking. I would go one at a time with the razor blade to open them up before doing the comb. It didn't take me too long because the metal is super soft. Heavy tin foil is not an exageration. Seems like they could tear or wrinkle if you are a little too hasty.

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/29/2010 @ 3:10 PM *

That Fin comb is for straight fins like on a forklift or big truck--not for serpetine fins as on your radiator.I've been in the business for 30 yrs.Dont use an exacto--you might just slip and puncture a tube--not good.
We use an ice pick that has had the tip slightly blunted(so as to not puncture a tube accidently) and gently lift and straighten each fin individually. Is time consuming and cramps the fingers after a while. Also can heat and bend an ice pick 90 degrees about 1/2 inch from the end giving a little better leverage.

Nat

Take a razor to one of the closest combs that look like it will take that gap between fins. Then custom cut into the plastic and refine the teeth to match the bike's fins.

Nat is right though. I usually take a plastic paint brush end that has a round tip to it. Slip the tip in between ends and drag across the folds. If they are really bad, I have a small curved needle nose, I can pull and reform if the paint tip catches something really bent up and stops the pull process.