The Old Machinery Magazine Forum

Forum Categories => Tractors => Topic started by: Rob Templin on 04 June, 2020, 02:03:19 pm

Title: Thermo Syphon Cooling.
Post by: Rob Templin on 04 June, 2020, 02:03:19 pm
The tractor I am slowly restoring has a radiator with 85 X 3/8 of an inch copper pipes. Each pipe has 100 small steel discs to aid cooling. These have all  deteriorated, so much so that the air flow would mostly be blocked. I have determined that new copper tubes are required and new discs probably copper as it is easier to punch. As the tractor uses thermo syphon and if I used 1/2 inch pipes rather than 3/8th inch what would the effect be? Would the additional water in the pipe remain hotter? As the original discs were steel would copper discs cool better and therefore negate the extra hot water in each pipe?

Why 1/2 inch pipe? Because it is easier for me to obtain and it can be picked up as a 6metre straight length rather than in a coil which might be difficult to get nicely straight.
Title: Re: Thermo Syphon Cooling.
Post by: cobbadog on 04 June, 2020, 04:24:31 pm
Hi Rob, this sounds like a good challenge.
I am no expert on thermo cooling but I think if you go to 1/2" it will just take a bit longer before the water starts to rise and flow. I don't know if 3/8" is available in 6mtr lengths and straight and I agree that trying to get the rolled up stuff straight will be tricky and extra step to avoid if possible. Copper discs will work well at conducting the heat and easy to soft solder in place. 1/2" tubing will be tricky to adapt to the 3/8" holes in the top and bottom tanks won't they? Then less clearance between the tubes for the discs to fit so they would have to be smaller in diameter.
It will be a very interesting project to see how you get on with it.
Title: Re: Thermo Syphon Cooling.
Post by: Rob Templin on 04 June, 2020, 04:59:06 pm
I was trying to find an old cool room refridge unit radiator. I think they were 3/8 tube but usually shorter. I haven't found one yet but not sure where to look other than GumTree and other similar sites. It's challenges like these that keep you young, isn't it?
Title: Re: Thermo Syphon Cooling.
Post by: famous fitter on 04 June, 2020, 08:06:40 pm
Hi Rob,

3/8 Hard drawn Copper tube should be available from a plumbing shop ( maybe to order ??) Try Reece?

I found some offcuts in the ceiling of the local shopping centre from the refrigeration mob installing the fridges into woolies, so you must be able to buy it somewhere.

The Copper sheet for discs may be available from George Weston in Brisbane ?

The annealed coil copper can be straightened through a tube straightener but that?s another tool to buy.

Keep us posted on the radiator build

Cheers Justin
Title: Re: Thermo Syphon Cooling.
Post by: Rob Templin on 04 June, 2020, 10:28:19 pm
Thanks. It'll be slow I keep getting diverted to other tasks. But I have designed a press to punch out the washers which I will build next but would prefer the replacement pipe in my hands before making over 8000 washers only to find they don't fit.