Aluminium Radiator

[MML]

This is possibly a dumb question, but I wanted to ask anyway. I picked up an aluminium radiator from Eurotec recently, and am going to fit it shortly. As you know, it's bright silver in colour, and would be blatantly visible sitting behind the rock screen.

Now my knowledge of thermodynamics is pretty much non-existent, but is there going to be any negative effects on cooling from painting it black?

My old radiator started leaking even more today so it'll have to be replaced very soon!

[DMC3165]

Yes there is. Not from the color but more likely from clogging the cooling fins with paint. You are much better off putting up with the silver color then running the risk of screwing up your new radiator or worse your motor. Think about it real carefully before you put,any paint on it.

[Bitsyncmaster]

You won't see it. Your AC condenser is painted black.

[LEVY]

It should not be a problem if it is just a light coat of paint, I would paint it.

LEVY


This is possibly a dumb question, but I wanted to ask anyway. I picked up an aluminium radiator from Eurotec recently, and am going to fit it shortly. As you know, it's bright silver in colour, and would be blatantly visible sitting behind the rock screen.

Now my knowledge of thermodynamics is pretty much non-existent, but is there going to be any negative effects on cooling from painting it black?

My old radiator started leaking even more today so it'll have to be replaced very soon!

[Nicholas R]

I have Ed Uding's bright silver bare aluminum radiator installed and you cant see it at all. I wouldn't waste your time and risk clogging the core with paint.

Also, any coating on the material would cause the convective heat transfer rate to go down holding in a little bit more heat. Truthfully though, the change is likely negligible, especially if you have a stock PRV. The problem would come if the radiator is tightly weaved and you start plugging up the core material between the fins. If you do paint it, be sure to just dust it lightly .

[MML]

Also, any coating on the material would cause the convective heat transfer rate to go down holding in a little bit more heat.


Yeah, that's the science bit I was curious about! Lol.
I could have sworn you could see it through the grill... but if you can't I'll just leave it as-is. Don't want to risk messing it up.

Cheers guys!

[Dangermouse]

Well, post pics when you install it so we can see

[MML]

Well, post pics when you install it so we can see

Will do, Dermot!

Now that I think of it I don't recall ever seeing pics of Ed's radiator in a car...