I am designing a radiator for a model engine. Keep in mind that looks are more important than function.
The entire radiator (fins, tubes, manifold) will be made from Stainless steel. The radiator will be about 5 inchs square and 1/2 inch thick. There will be 4-5 tubes running from top to bottom. I will press the 1/4 inch tubes through
60 pieces of .036 SS fins spaced about 40 thou apart. I figure I will press the fins onto the tubes one at a time.My problem is connecting the tubes to a manifold. Silver solder might work but I'm not particularly good at it and I am very concerned that the heat will tarnish the SS and I will not be able to polish it after its assemebled. I am also concerned that 1250 degrees will distort things and maybe cause problems.
I am wondering if I can use O rings to seal the tubes where they enter the manifold. The manifold will be a square block of SS drilled from the end for coolant passage and drilled from the side for the tubes. The difficult part is cutting O-ring groves for the 1/4 inch tubes.
First; Will this work? ie NOT leak. The cooling system will not be pressurized but there will be some pressure from the circulating pump.
Second; How do I cut internal O ring grooves so that it will seal when a 1/4 inch SS tube is pushed though it.
I have a wide varity of metal working tools available. I can cut the o ring grooves with a boring head on the mill or by mounting the manifold on the lathe faceplate.
chuck