Radiator advice
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Radiator advice
I need some advice about installing a new radiator in my '82 coupe. I bought a max cool radiator (4-row core) to replace the stock radiator (3-row core). As it turns out, the new one is a good bit thicker than the original and won't just slide into the space between the cooling fan/radiator shroud and the crossbar above the condenser. I'm thinking if I can remove the cooling fan, I can fit the new radiator in. There is plenty of room in the radiator frame for the bigger radiator, it's just getting it in there that is the problem. Should I attempt to take the cooling fan off to get this in? I had no big problem getting the old radiator out and subsequently putting it back in, but I'm not an experienced mechanic and I don't really know what I'm getting into with removal of drive belts and the fan. Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: In the Beautiful Shenandoah Valley of VA
Removal of the engine belts and fan will help. You may also find that removing the radiator core support upper bolts (four) and loosening the lower bolts (where it bolts to the frame) will allow you to rotate the core support slightly to the front of the car, allowing easier access. Don't push it very far if you have A/C, since you can crush the condensor fins on the parts up front.
As Red_Shift says, find a digital camera and snap a bunch of photos before and during the process. Take it slow. If you get frustrated or stuck, stop and leave it alone for a while. It's a fairly simple, straightforward procedure, and you can do it.
Steve
As Red_Shift says, find a digital camera and snap a bunch of photos before and during the process. Take it slow. If you get frustrated or stuck, stop and leave it alone for a while. It's a fairly simple, straightforward procedure, and you can do it.
Steve
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks for the advice guys! That got r done! I ended up swiveling the core support and taking out the auxiliary fan (that has never worked since I have owned the car) and shoehorning the radiator in. It's a tight fit, but it fits! I also removed the smog pump, which also has never worked, to make room, and decided to just leave it off. If it hasn't worked in a long time and now it's off the car, that's not going to cause problems, is it?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Evans GA
It's a little too late now... but this is useful information for anyone thinking about doing this... it would have been better to have gotten a DeWitt or Be Cool aluminum radiator.
I did the same thing you did, 2 years ago... now I'm replacing the 4-row with a DeWitt.
I did the same thing you did, 2 years ago... now I'm replacing the 4-row with a DeWitt.
