Radiator removal - Don't do what I did

[Just Footerin]

 I have been continuing to work on this 2020 bike I've just bought. I wanted to get at the header pipes so I took the radiator off. Now I don't think anything has been off this bike before, so the hoses where stuck tight unto the radiator outlets. I thought I would set my gland pliers (water pump pliers) to grab the hose and wiggle it a little until I could release the grip it had on the radiator. This worked but when I got the hoses off my heart sank. I didn't think I had squeezed that tight but I must have.  I have to say as a word of warning, that radiator is as soft as butter.  Be careful if you are ever taking those hoses off and be as gentle as you can.

 

 Luckily I was able to turn up some plastic mandrels and gradually roll and swage the outlets back into round again. The fact that they're so soft helped. 

 

Hopefully that was a disaster averted, I will not know for sure until its filled again but it looks good.  The header pipe studs are going to be another nightmare no doubt !!

Edited November 3, 2023 by AZJW
Added topic to title

[Hibobb]

S**t happens.... looks like you did a nice job of straightening it out.

Thanks for the warning 

[neil_]

Why did you remove the radiator to get the headers? You can get them off without taking the rad off.

[Just Footerin]

 

On 2/11/2024 at 2:17 PM, neil_ said:

Why did you remove the radiator to get the headers? You can get them off without taking the rad off.

I wanted to get the exhaust studs out, taking the radiator off gave me more room.   It's all back together now and no leaks !

[neil_]

Fair enough, good save.