NEW LINE: NEW RADISTORS FOR EXTERNAL PUMPS

TKART Staff

27 June 2016

Among the changes introduced by the new OK engines is a return to the external water pump. Thanks in part to the use of a test rig, New Line, a leading manufacturer of radiators for karts and Quad bikes, has released new, highly efficient products designed specifically for these types of engine.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The new radiator for OK engines is more compact than the KF version and, therefore, requires a smaller amount of cooling water. The result is a 1.5 Kg reduction in weight, thanks in part to the lightened support brackets.
To achieve this, we used the test rig to analyse the water flows and their distribution over the radiator surface: the new external pump used on OK and OKJ engines is more efficient and ensures increased water flow, but changes the area where most of it flows. In fact, the water is concentrated in the lateral and vertical sections of the radiator surface, leaving the central section a little exposed. To improve flow distribution over the entire surface, the angles and shape of the radiator water input and output (extractor) ducts have been adjusted.

RADIATOR SPECIFICATIONS

New Line has not left anything to chance, right down to the last detail. The optimisations concerning the fill cap and the recovery tank are of particular note. The former is machined from a solid block (the solution adopted for all radiators) with a 2 bar vent adjustment: this prevents the venting of water caused by vibrations or knocks that can occur with 1 bar caps and maintains high pressure in the system. The increased friction between the water and the radiator walls increases the exchange of heat and, therefore, cooling efficiency.
As for the tank, it is smaller and has an integrated clip so that it can be positioned behind the radiator without obstructing the flow of air.
The water duct terminals also deserve a mention. In the past, in order to fasten the rubber tube properly, the aluminium attachment was wider at the end so that the tube had a double internal step and, therefore, slowed down and resulted in possible turbulence to the water flow. Now there are two external incisions, while the tube is smooth inside and has a uniform section. The outcome? No loss of capacity and no turbulence.

The radiator fill cap machined from a solid block with a 2 bar vent adjustment

The smaller recovery tank with integrated clip

The water duct terminals that are smooth inside and have a uniform section