Replacing Radiator?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Replacing Radiator?
I will be replacing my radiator this weekend. I've looked at the books and read several posts here and think I can do it ok. What difficulty level would you guys give this project? I have recently had some serious heart attacks and have some limitations but I can get some help. The one thing I'm, concerned about is how frustrating this might be. My heart cannot handle stress like it use too. I enjoy working on the car but I can be a little short tempered. A garage gave me a price of 200 bucks to install it. What would you do in my circumstance
Thanks a zillion for your wise advice.
David
Thanks a zillion for your wise advice.
David
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,334
Likes: 2,260
From: Central Maryland
Originally Posted by newguy84
I will be replacing my radiator this weekend. I've looked at the books and read several posts here and think I can do it ok. What difficulty level would you guys give this project? I have recently had some serious heart attacks and have some limitations but I can get some help. The one thing I'm, concerned about is how frustrating this might be. My heart cannot handle stress like it use too. I enjoy working on the car but I can be a little short tempered. A garage gave me a price of 200 bucks to install it. What would you do in my circumstance
Thanks a zillion for your wise advice.
David
Thanks a zillion for your wise advice.
David
Be well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
The radiator can be taken out in less than 30 min and installed in about the same. The upper and lower hose come off, the overflow tank hose comes off, coolant level wire is disconnected, the tranny lines are disconnected, and a pan to catch fluid. the radiator shroud has around 8-10 7mm screws and the fan mounts come off. One of the easier jobs for a C4 IMO. I'm sure there is more to do than stated and someone else will help.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
I am not sure if the 84 is any different than later L98’s but it shouldn’t be too bad. I replaced mine last weekend and it took about 3 ½ hours which included going out and buying the radiator and doing a few honey do’s for the wife in between. I have had it out a few times before for cleaning though. Really one of the simpler radiator removals out there. The hardest part is slowly locating all the necessary bolts to remove. Take your time and step back if you have too, you’ll amazed how easy it was when you’re done.
The following link is from the tech tip on the L98 which is very useful.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=53&TopicID=2
The following link is from the tech tip on the L98 which is very useful.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=53&TopicID=2
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by RRT vette
The radiator can be taken out in less than 30 min and installed in about the same. The upper and lower hose come off, the overflow tank hose comes off, coolant level wire is disconnected, the tranny lines are disconnected, and a pan to catch fluid. the radiator shroud has around 8-10 7mm screws and the fan mounts come off. One of the easier jobs for a C4 IMO. I'm sure there is more to do than stated and someone else will help.
The '84 has no coolant level wire so don't waste any time looking for that. Only the top two fan assembly bolts have to be removed. The fan can stay in place. Only the top of the radiator/fan shroud has to be removed. Once that is off, simply lift the radiator up and out. It is so easy, even *I* could do it. In fact I did, about 2-3 weeks ago. I'd blown a hose, so I figured it was a good time to flush and change the coolant. Since the cooling system was already drained, it seemed like a good time to clean out the leaves and carcasses from in front of the radiator, for the first time in 10+ years. Big disappointment. I found three (3), count em, leaves.
RACE ON!!!
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale AZ
There was a good write up on the forum a couple of years ago. Gave easy to follow instructions on pulling a C4 rad. It was from Lars Grimsrud, I have removed and cleaned my rad and it's not a bad job.
The last email addressI had for Lars is: lars.grimsrud@imco.com
I also put in a 50/50 mix anti-freeze and added some Water Wetter and I'm running around 20 degrees cooler
Don
87' vert
The last email addressI had for Lars is: lars.grimsrud@imco.com
I also put in a 50/50 mix anti-freeze and added some Water Wetter and I'm running around 20 degrees cooler
Don
87' vert
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by jumpinjackflash
There was a good write up on the forum a couple of years ago. Gave easy to follow instructions on pulling a C4 rad. It was from Lars Grimsrud,
Don
87' vert
Don
87' vert
RACE ON!!!
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Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks to All
Thank you all for your suggestions and comments about changing my radiator. Due to heart problems I cannot drink beer to settle my frustrations but my brother can......
He is a railroad mechanic for 35 years and said he'd help me out. I printed out the web link that someone supplied and it will be very helpful.
Thanks a zillion... You may have saved my life...LOL
He is a railroad mechanic for 35 years and said he'd help me out. I printed out the web link that someone supplied and it will be very helpful.
Thanks a zillion... You may have saved my life...LOL
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Well...Best laid plans??? The little leak turned into a big one while I was working out of town shortly after this post. I ended up changing it myself, with the help of a son and a 15 dollar wallmart tool kit. Took about 4 hours and having read all your posts was pretty simple. A few days later I was running around our backroads and going way too fast. After a 125 mph run for a few miles when I slowed down the engine was knocking really bad. My brother said it sounds like bearings. We'll pull the pan and have a look in a week or so but I think its a goner. Might replace with a Jasper, what do you think. Thanks for your help,
Dave
Dave
