Marksgotavette

I am just about to remove the radiator shroud from my 89 vert. I got all the screws out. The only thing left in the way is the top radiator hose on the drivers side. Before I unhook it, I need to know if the system is under pressure. I have not emptied the coolant but the car has not run for a few days so it is not hot. When I unhook the hose, will all my coolant drain out, or is it high enough above the radiator and engine to not empty. Thanks.

JrRifleCoach

FWIW I clipped a small section of the shroud off to facilitate removal without pulling hoses.
I pull the shroud once a year during my annual inspection and maintenance cycle before the cool season starts.

Just a tip

Joe C

kind of did the same thing on my 90. I modified the rear section (part that holds the two fans) so it can be pulled back slightly and straight up without removal of the top shroud. maybe a real C4 expert might pick up on the modification, but other than that, looks pretty factory original.

Marksgotavette

Thanks for the suggestions. I have read other posts that show how they have cut the shroud for easy removal, but a strict judge at a car show may reduce points for not having it in factory condition.

JrRifleCoach

Unless your at a concours, no sweat

Kmcoldcars

To answer your original question, the cooling system is not under pressure when cool. You will lose some fluid from the radiator when you remove the upper hose.

Cliff Harris

I think it's easier and cleaner to take off the radiator cap and suck out some coolant with a turkey baster. You can get them really cheap at a 99 cent store or grocery store.

65Z01

Or open the petchock on the lower right of radiator to drain a little coolant.

Marksgotavette

Thanks for the help guys. After unhooking all the screws, I was able to tilt up just the right side of the shroud leaving the left side down around the radiator hose. This allowed me access to the space between the radiators to clean out the leaves. Not much there at all, but it looked like the shroud was never moved for the 25 years. I cleaned the leaves out and replaced the shroud. If that was all that accumulated, it is now good for another 25 years.

JrRifleCoach

Unless you don't drive in the Fall when the leaves are falling

Marksgotavette

It is different here in SW Florida. Mostly what falls from the trees are those large heavy palm tree branches. If I run over one of those branches, I would have more to worry about than leaves in the radiators. It could put a hole in the radiator.