KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: tcoop474 on May 17, 2012, 12:07:28 AM

Title: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 17, 2012, 12:07:28 AM
I ordered a new plastic kit yesterday and dont want to put the shrouds on the k5 due to my radiators being bowed inwards so bad.
I found some 86 radiators on ebay but the left side is like 60$ + shipping then the right is about the same 70 + shipping 130$ seems outrageous to me.
i found a pair of aluminum radiators for 88-04 k5s what is the difference? Will the radiators work or the mounts in different placed?
Thanks,
Tommy
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: dieselbeef on May 17, 2012, 12:38:26 AM
e bay got alum rads for all yrs..brand new for like 150 bucks
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on May 17, 2012, 01:37:05 AM
Do some research on them....there's been a few guys that bought them,and had to do some re-fab work(mostly the mounts) to make them fit/line up correctly.
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: Polar-Bus on May 18, 2012, 04:10:18 AM
I ordered a new plastic kit yesterday and dont want to put the shrouds on the k5 due to my radiators being bowed inwards so bad.
I found some 86 radiators on ebay but the left side is like 60$ + shipping then the right is about the same 70 + shipping 130$ seems outrageous to me.
i found a pair of aluminum radiators for 88-04 k5s what is the difference? Will the radiators work or the mounts in different placed?
Thanks,
Tommy

I can't offer you any tips on the rad fitment question, but FYI, do NOT be tempted to forcefully bend the bent rads back into position ! I guarantee the rads will crack and leak where the tubes are soldered to the tanks.
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 18, 2012, 04:42:05 AM
I did research i found some pics where a member did it and had to relocate the brackets.
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: Foxx4Beaver on May 18, 2012, 04:51:23 AM
I did research i found some pics where a member did it and had to relocate the brackets.


If you,or a trusted friend have the tools and the ability to weld aluminum,then I'd say go for it.Otherwise,I'd start saving for a new set of OEMs....don't buy someone elses junk off e-bay,even if they did'nt leak,they'll still be twisted/tweaked/and most likely have crushed fins....on top of the outrageous price people are asking for used beat up crap!!
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 20, 2012, 11:58:46 PM
Thats the truth right there. Ppl selling old turd radiators of their 86s for over 100$ i might as well put mine up on there for that to help buy new ones lol
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: dieselbeef on May 21, 2012, 01:23:41 AM
see about the guys makin em make you a set if they dont have new ones adv already for it. welding alum aint no big deal...maybe a send em yer old ones they make ya new ones kinda thing
some of the alum ones avail on there are nice..they use em on go karts and stuff..not the kx models but the same manuf..

gary
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 21, 2012, 04:09:25 AM
Who makes them?
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: dieselbeef on May 21, 2012, 04:51:02 AM
contact the seller..aint you ever been on ebay man!??
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 21, 2012, 05:26:06 AM
Yea have you not read this thread? It starts out by saying comparing ebay prices!
Ive contacted 2 sellers they dont make them just sell them there may b a company on there making them saying i havent asked all of them and i probably will not sit on ebay for hours contacting all the sellers to find out if they make them
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: dieselbeef on May 21, 2012, 06:52:32 AM
alright man..seemed like you were talking bout used rads is all..
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 21, 2012, 07:21:59 AM
We were. Comparing how ppl on ebay are selling used junk 86 rads for 100$+ and theres brand new ones for 87-04 models for 80$. But they want fit an 86 with out relocating mounts
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: Polar-Bus on May 21, 2012, 10:30:00 AM
We were. Comparing how ppl on ebay are selling used junk 86 rads for 100$+ and theres brand new ones for 87-04 models for 80$. But they want fit an 86 with out relocating mounts

Maybe you can make some type of adapter brackets rather than weld different mounts ? I have my KX500 currently stripped, and I don't need my rads at this time. They are both in excellent condition. You pay for shipping and I can mail you my rads to use as templates. Just mail them back when you are finished.
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: tcoop474 on May 22, 2012, 05:45:46 AM
Thanks for the offer polar but i cant do that if something were to happen to them on the way to or from itd make me sick lol. Its all good i start my dream job tomorrow and a motorcycle dealership working in the service dept so ill get info at work or order some with the discount ill get lol.
thanks again bro
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: Adz478 on May 24, 2012, 01:00:56 AM
Iam looking at replacing the rads on my 90 model. I want to know if the Chinese ones on ebay are good for the money, i can deal with relocating mounts and drilling out mount holes.  They look good but how long would you expect them to last? $100 a pair is CHEAP compared with $300-$400 each for good aftermarket or OEM. Anyone out there running them your feedback is appreciated.
Title: Re: quick ? about radiators
Post by: kwakman on May 24, 2012, 07:46:00 AM
apart from mounting issues, they seem to be up to the job. I think jonny500 has some.