Radiator protection screen?

Re: Radiator protection screen? (superbike2001)

Here's what I made

Home Depot Rain Gutter screen - cut it to size
Edge it with small aquarium type tube - also at Home Depot
A few zip ties

Less than $10 solution, shit do some up for your buds and earn free beers at the track



DW

Re: Radiator protection screen? (BMWHP)

Pretty much a ditto to BMWHP.

Re: Radiator protection screen? (superbike2001)

This is an easy do-it-yourself project for a superbike. First straighten any bent radiator fins. Then cut a piece of aluminum window screening to fit, leaving 4-5 inches on top to make some tabs to bend over the top and back of the radiator. It conforms easily to the curved radiator shape and the wind pressure holds it firmly against the radiator.

Another way to secure a screen is to loop paper clip-size wire through the radiator between the fins.

Remove the V-shaped lower cowl and attach another piece of screen to protect the oil cooler. Fasten it to the back of the panel with small self-tapping screws and washers at the four molded holes. Silicone adhesive or double-sided tape also works.

Any screening will reduce airflow somewhat, of course. The smaller the mesh, the more protection against smaller debris. I can only offer that common aluminum window screen works fine in desert temperatures with no noticeable effect on 916 coolant temperatures.

I wish I thought of it right away before fin damage occurred. After 20,000 miles, I still haven't had to replace it. I used window screening simply because it's cheap to replace and has a fine-enough mesh to spread out the impact load (and keep bugs out), but if you prefer something different, check out the McMaster-Carr web site. When they sell mesh screening, they define the percent open area that tells you its ability to flow air.

Re: Radiator protection screen? (Shazaam!)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Shazaam! »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> First straighten any bent radiator fins. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't mean to hijack this thread but what is the best way to straighten out any bent fins - I end up bending more of them while trying to straighten them... HELP!

Re: Radiator protection screen? (hank)

A small flat blade screw driver and a few hours time! Thats about it as far as I know.