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[RayG]

While doing work over the winter I noticed the oil cooler has quite a few bent fins. Since this is an easy part to reach I was wondering if I should test it and if it was suggested how do I do it properly.  I don't wan't to replace it unless it is absolutely necessary, I have already replaced more parts and spent way over what I had planed.  I have an 1800 foot gravel driveway so I'm always hearing little rocks flying around and hitting whatever.  Hard to keep the bike clean but we manage.  If I had to replace it I think I would check out E-Bay or go with one like the Jagg model, but I have other things I need before I spend that much.  Maybe the top end noise is from rocks in there to.

Thanks

Ray G.    

[Spiderman]

Sometimes when I read a thread like this I have to check my calendar.

Seriously ?

Oh what the hell, I'll bite

The fins do not contain any fluid. The oil runs through tubes that the fins are attached to. The principal being that the fins absorb heat from the oil in the tube and the ambient air flowing thru the fins cools them and hence the oil. I'd not worry about bent fins unless you find an oil leak OR, if you'd like to buy new oil cooler just to see it get dinged up again from your daily 3600 commute (minimum) on gravel.

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[Steve Cole]

If you feel like it you can use a small screwdriver and straighten out the fins and put a quick coat of paint on it and it will look like new again. If it doesn't leak oil it's fine.

[16HD117]

A good tool for straightening cooler fins.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/WESTWARD-AC-Condenser-Fin-Comb-1DXN3

[Midnight Rider]

Go to any local HVAC supplier in your area and get a "fin comb"...that will straighten out the fins, and if you need to paint afterwards, then you can do so.  Unless they are bent over to the point of not allowing air flow across that portion, they are still working and doing their job.  Replacing the cooler would not be necessary unless you punctured one of the coils that the fins are attached to, which is unlikely.

I have no suggestions about the rocks in your rocker boxes...

[JCZ]

I think you can even buy the fin comb at Home Depot.  I order them for my guys from the HD Supply catalog.

[Spiderman]

I think you can even buy the fin comb at Home Depot.  I order them for my guys from the HD Supply catalog.

Irregardless of where you buy them, the fins on an A/C condensor are ultra-thin as compared to the fins on an H-D oil cooler.  I'd not advise running off to anywhere without first checking the thickness of those bent cooling fins. I think you'd be better off not wasting your money on a fin comb and follow the advice of Steve Cole on this one


B B

     Hey, St Peter. did you see that ? Do I get a get one Pearly Gate Point ?

[wolverine]

If you feel like it you can use a small screwdriver and straighten out the fins and put a quick coat of paint on it and it will look like new again. If it doesn't leak oil it's fine.

Steve's right. I've done this before on air conditioning fins and works like a charm. Once all straitened with a small screwdriver then you can use a fin comb if you want it to look real nice. Then  paint if needed.