Radiical Radiator FAQ

JSE's FAQ about Radiical Radiators

I received two nickel plated barbs with my radiator do I have to use plumbers tape on the threads?

The nickel-plated barbs should have an inbuilt rubber like ‘O' ring set into the base. With this type of barb it is not necessary to use plumbers tape. Fitting should be tightening until finger tight then one quarter turns with a suitable spanner. Do not over tighten this type of barb.

I received two brass barbs with my radiator. How do I seal the threads?

The radiators are shipped flat with a package of barbs and screws for fan fixing. The barbs are treated in a similar way to the pump barbs. I prefer to use Araldite* on the radiator barbs. Smear the threaded section of the barbs thinly with Araldite* and screw into position. This gives a clean sealant finish to the threaded portion of the barbs, which is visible. Wait until the Araldite* has cured before using the radiator. Using this method the barbs will be permanently fixed. Should you plan to change barbs in the future wrap Teflon tape around the barb thread instead of using the Araldite.

Handy Hint One;

If you have to over tighten the barbs to get a seal then you have used to little Teflon tap. If you are having difficulty tightening the barbs you have used to much teflon tape. Between three and five wraps ( tape varies in thickness) of the tape should be sufficient.

Handy Hint Two;

Always support both sides of the tightening sequence that is barb and radiator thread when tightening the barb.

What about radiator placement?

It is sometimes much simpler to mount the radiator wherever there is a suitable fan mounting point. Some of the more recent case designs have a 120 mm fan mount on the rear wall of the case. Using small radiators like the Radiical Pro this area can be used for internal or external fitting. Older cases may require some case modification such as holes drilled through to make the radiator a permanent fixture. If all else fails consider using one of the two standoffs** we stock to hold the radiator approximately 50 mm from the case. This distance should provide enough air space to cool the radiator without the need for you to go cutting up your new case. The radiator cooling capacity will be at peak efficiency using this method. The Radiical Pro, Extreme and Ultra Radiators are shipped with a template for the location of the fixing screw holes for fan placement. It can also be used to determine if your radiator will fit in a given area of the case. Simply cut out the external shape and place it in the area of the case where you propose putting the radiator. Any obstructions to placement can be seen before attempts are made to drill holes or cut the case. The template contains useful information including fan hole size and screw hole placement making fitting your new radiator a very simple matter. The template for the Ultra radiator is provided so that two standoff** kits can be used to secure this radiator outside of the case. Tricia's tip is to print the template on a transparent overhead for durability and better viewing. This allows you to vary the hole spacing and confirm any minor manufacturing changes in hole placement.

Fan Fitting with a Radiical Radiator

It is impossible for manufacturers to predict how fan holes should be set out for each fan type and brand. If you have difficulty fitting the screws into the screw holes it is recommended that you undo the side screws to the chrome side plates until satisfactory location of the fan screws is made. The side screws can then be re-tightened.

Removing Air from the Radiator

It is very important that all air is removed from the radiator when you are leak testing your water-cooling system when it is outside the case if this is possible. Where this is not practical consideration should be given to rotating the whole case when the system is fitted. Please ensure that all loose items are securely located before attempting this action. It is advisable to shake and rotate the radiator (side to side in a gentle rocking motion) to remove all the trapped air. Avoid if possible placing the brass barbs of the radiator facing downwards. This will trap air in the radiator tanks and reduce the efficiency of the radiator. So the “rule of thumb” is to position your radiator with the barbs uppermost. If upward placement is not possible ensure that all the air in the system is removed before the radiator is fitted. A handy hint with single pass radiators, which clears most of the air on start up, is to make the inlet barb the barb at the bottom of the radiator

Please feel free to contact us with any other issues regarding fitting the Radiical Pro, Extreme and Ultra Radiators. We are continually working at improving product information to our customers so your input is important .

* Read epoxy resin

** Stainless steel stand off kits and Bug Legs are available from Radiical Computing