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Hi,
Over the past year I faced with many water leakage from my alumin rad. Therefore I finally replaced it with a new copper one, same size same installation.
Is someone knows how the copper rad effects the 582 engine? is there a risk for corrosion? Any?

Before the replacement the max head temp was around 140 but after on the copper it starts from 145 and may climb up to 170. I use 50-50 anti-frizzing. Although it might be in the range I do not understand how this jump came from.

Thanks for any help,
Moshe
  • Re: Copper versus Alumin radiator on 582

    by » 9 years ago


    There could be several reasons they are a few degrees apart.
    One metal may give up or hold heat more than the other. One may have larger or smaller passageways inside. One may have more cooling coils.

    Food for thought:
    If you are getting leaks where are they coming from. Is the old radiator old? I don't know how you have it mounted, but if you are springing leaks in the core area have you checked it for electrolysis? You can use a standard volt meter to check it. Touch one probe tip to a good ground and the other to your radiator. It should be zero voltage. If you have any voltage then that's why you are springing leaks.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: Copper versus Alumin radiator on 582

    by » 9 years ago


    Thanks for your prompt reply.
    The leaks comes from the coils. I soldering the coils in a different places already several times in the rad and they are re-leak.

    I am sure there is a metal contact in between the rad and the airframe as it connects with a bolts and rubber gasket. So the bolt touches both sides. Should I replace this with a rubber bushing?
    Don't sure I understand the voltage circuit issue and how it impacts.

    What about the coolant liquid that goes in between the rad and the engine. Is the metal diff may cause a damage for the engine? Corrosion?

  • Re: Copper versus Alumin radiator on 582

    by » 9 years ago


    If your rubber mounts have flattened too far or are disintegrating then they should be replaced and the radiator shouldn't be rubbing any where. Yes you can rubber mount the radiator.


    These two articles should help explain electrolysis.

    Cause:
    http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/Electrolysis%20Article.htm

    testing:
    http://www.rondavisradiators.com/tech.htm

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: Copper versus Alumin radiator on 582

    by » 9 years ago


    I ran the stock pair of aluminum Rotax rads for 1000 hours on a 582 without any problems. I sold the aircraft and I don’t think the new owner has had any problems either, Aluminum should work fine if it is mounted properly and there is not excessive vibration from imbalanced propeller or improper engine installation.

  • Re: Copper versus Alumin radiator on 582

    by » 9 years ago


    Thanks for sharing with me you're experience. Now I better clear with the system and will work to fix this.
    One issue is still bothering me. Case where the rad is completely isolated form the airframe and I find no electrolysis.
    So in this case there is no issue whatsoever using this copper rad? It's no must to replace it back to the alumin model?
    Thanks again
    Moshe

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