On my motorcycle, I have a voltage regulator similar to this one:
Some times over long trips and especially in summer, it tends to get really hot even though it is located under the subframe, exposed to quite a lot of air flow.
Is it possible to modify its cooling fins by cutting groves perpendicular to the existing ones so that I increase the cooling effect? I understand that I risk damaging the transistor inside but I believe it is really visible how deep could one go without damaging it. Finally I plan on doing this on a milling machine but for the sake of it, could this be done with a hacksaw? EDIT: Also instead of grooves, could someone drill holes on the fins so as to increase the fins surface and heat dissipation?