Big Bird 88

From what I have read all C4s have this problem of sucking up trash between the radiator and condenser. When I get a flashlight close I can see some debris in there. Is there any tricks to getting it out other than removing the upper part of the radiator shroud ?

I have looked at it and after taking off the air cleaner and unbolting the fan from the top of the shroud there are like maybe 10 screws.

Any gotchas with this ? Do I have to remove it completely or are there certain bolts that will allow me access with a vacuum.

Anyone done any mods to make this easier ? I was thinking of cutting a piece out of the top of the shroud, under the air cleaner assembly and maybe bolting it back on ?? is that too Bubba ???

antfarmer2

No bubbaing aloud the 6 7mm in the nose are a pita use el tape and a flat ratchet wrench on some of them. If it is a lt1 pull the radiator out to clean to keep from getting the opti wet. Does a better job on others too. Good time to pull the knocks and do a proper flush.

Big Bird 88

Flush is coming in about a week. Did not get to it last weekend. Replaced the exhaust though. Next weekend is rear diff and radiator flush.

It's an L98. Just looking to handle the little stuff so when its at my buddys place on the lift we can concentrate on the important stuff.

I'm really surprised that there is no " non Bubba" fix for this. Whats a regular maintenance on this ? as needed or every like 6 months ?

antfarmer2

Then do it right and pull the rad. I would get a new knock I believe yours just has one but check to be sure and pull the plug or hose on the other side as well.Torque is very important on the 14 lbs I believe. And turn your head and close your mouth when removing you will not believe how much crap in there.
As far as how often could be years or daily if you follow a hay wagon.
I do not support bubbaing.

Big Bird 88

Antfarmer2
I also am against bubbaing but these things can be crazy difficult to do straight forward things on.

There are hay wagons around here, but not many. However since I'm in the deep south of north Florida any heat regulation advantage I can give the car I will try.

antfarmer2

wait till you get to the 6 7mm screws.

JrRifleCoach

I trimmed back the upper shroud/cover so that I didn't have to remove the upper radiator hose. Makes the job much easier and does not effect the cooling system at all. A vacuum with an extension hose helps to extract the stuff way down there. Once you've done this it's way too easy for future cleanings.

Tom400CFI

Pics of shroud removal, HERE.


How to remove those 7mm headed screws once you've hit the "Easy Button"....

antfarmer2

A flat ratchet wrench will help on some too and electric tape will save a lot of cussing putting them back holding the screw in the tool.

Big Bird 88

Tom, that's a link to a pick of a brake line nut ;-)

Antfarmer2 : I tried this yesterday but lost my nerve. The AC dryer, Power steering reservoir and a couple of relays are all mounted on this thing. I removed the two 14mm fan shroud bolts, a bunch of 7mm bolts and some 10 mm bolts but could not quite get it loose.

I was not trying to take it off because I was not removing any radiator hoses but I wanted to lift it enough to get a vacuum in there. I figured I had missed a bolt or something. As usual FSM was useless. pretty much remove bolts and remove shroud. yeah no **** !? There is a thread in the C4 forum on this but it is for newer model C4s

so when I try it next week when I have more time, I will try and take pics. I hate to say it but these cars are friggin ridiculous to work on. You can tell they were designed by a bunch of academics. I am going to cut a door in the top of the shroud which will be covered by the air intake to make this a 10 minute job in future.

antfarmer2

Alright bubba at least you do not have to worry about getting the opti wet. Make sure you really get all the fins clean since you will not be able to see them.

Big Bird 88

No opti on this one thankfully.

Well I'll get a better look when I take it off. If I don't think a maintenance opening (like that ?) is going to facilitate removal of leaves and debris I obviously wont do it. But if it will enable a decent clean, regularly, its on !!

Tom400CFI

Whoops. Sorry. Fixed.

antfarmer2

Ok great Tom has you covered don't be a BUBBA one you do it right you will see it will never be cleaned right by a bubba.

Cruisinfanatic

In my opinion, anything less than taking the radiator out and cleaning it right is a band-aid and might not do any good at all. I would be willing to bet yours looks like mine did when I removed

Big Bird 88

Holy crap Cruisinfanatic !!
What did you use to clean it ?


The link to the shroud removal is late C4, mine is 88. I used that as reference but no joy. Will tyr again when im off.

Antfarmer2, call me Mr. Bubba ;-)

antfarmer2

Not yet stay away from the light and do it right.