I am in the process of repairing my intercooler. Over the years some of the paint has come off. Is there a special paint for aluminum or can I just use Krylon or the like?

 

I wouldnt paint it all the newer products that are made form aluminum are coming O natural. the paint inhibits heat transfer so they are leaving them unpainted.

 

Yep I understand about the heat transfer and the paint but......This on was painted. Where the paint came off there is some occidation for sure. I just want to put a thin barrier against the weather. I may just put a light coat of Krylon on it. I just wanted to be sure it wouldn't react with the aluminum in a negitive way

 

us should have no problem semi gloss looks good or a satin

 

If you do paint it use the special "Radiator Black" it is really thin and runny but that way it doesn't clog up the fins. Might have to go to a rad. shop to find it though.

 

Ok thanks but it has to go back together in the mornng. I gotta be on the road on Wednesday. Wish I had some of that stuff though. Why does this stuff always happen on hollidays?

 

Why indeed.

 

Builds character.. and I'm quite a character.. I should be on cartoons A radiator shop near me uses a special paint that actually aids in heat dispersion. Not sure what it is exactly.

 

I would say just put it back together for now,with the "FIX" that your giving it... and see if it holds....you dont really see it anyway. I would leave it unpainted for the heat transfer of the "uncoated" benefit..it does make a differance.

 

I had mine out to pressure test it and all the oxidation spots were actually small leaks (very very tiny bubbles, nothing major) I left it alone and put it back in until I can find a donor for a refit (maybe a newer unit) I didn't want to clean it for fear of making it worse and I didn't want to paint it to give the oxidation a hiding place to continue growing. It's in a holding pattern

 

dont you think black paint would attract heat, I would paint it with alum paint