radiator bent fins question

[jabstick420]

When replacing my original behr radiator, I pulled the fan too hard and banged up some fins.

I now have a new nissens installed. but, I'd like to keep the old radiator as a spare.

is it a good idea to straighten the fins, or is it toast?

whats the preferred method?

sorry no pics right now.

[cooljjay]

I "tired" to straighten out the fins on my euro's radiator but it didn't go to well. Most just broke....Radiator is still working fine but I hoping to get it to look a bit nicer....I just used regular screw drivers to gentile bend them out...The aluminum is such a thin gauge and old...I believe that is why I had issues...Though I noticed a LOT of tiny peddles from asphalt in the radiator...

[Diesel911]

Straighten the Fins if you can. If the Fins break off at least the passage will be open so Air can flow.

Then drive it and see what happens.

I doubt if you will have a problem with it.

[jabstick420]

sounds good. will try this over the long weekend.

[mannys9130]

They sell fin combs. That's the proper way to do it, not with any other tool. Buy a fin comb and you probably won't break them off. Make sure you didn't penetrate a cross tube.

[jabstick420]

pardon my ignorance, but how do you know if you've penetrated a cross tube?

i will probably straighten the fins, and leave it as a backup.

which brings up another question: is there a proper way to prepare an old radiator for storage? or just leave it as is

[mannys9130]

If you get caught on the fins and rip, or if you slip and push a tooth of the comb into the radiator, you might like a hole in the cross tube. You won't know unless you seal the rad and pressurize it.

You might bring it to a radiator shop. They can refurbish it.

[jabstick420]

perfect.
thanks

[mannys9130]

You're welcome.