Radiator Shroud Removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
From: Estero FL
Radiator Shroud Removal
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
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
I pull the shroud once a year during my annual inspection and maintenance cycle before the cool season starts.
Just a tip
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 764
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.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
From: Estero FL
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.
Last edited by Marksgotavette; Jun 4, 2014 at 11:12 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
I think it's easier and cleaner to take off the radiator cap and suck out some coolant with a turkey baster.
Or open the petchock on the lower right of radiator to drain a little coolant.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
From: Estero FL
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.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 3
From: Estero FL
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.