Radiator Trouble
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Yuma Az
Radiator Trouble
I'm looking for some advice...
My radiator is leaking right by the lower hose... I don't know if that can be fixed because it is plastic or if it is just easier to buy a new one... I can get my hands on a new one for around 150... what do you guys think? Also wouldn't this help my car run cooler? ALso has anyone ever removed there radiator form there 96 vette? I think I can do it but what about the ac lines? Thanks all
My radiator is leaking right by the lower hose... I don't know if that can be fixed because it is plastic or if it is just easier to buy a new one... I can get my hands on a new one for around 150... what do you guys think? Also wouldn't this help my car run cooler? ALso has anyone ever removed there radiator form there 96 vette? I think I can do it but what about the ac lines? Thanks all
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
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From: Windermere FL
Re: Radiator Trouble (CilentKnight)
Make sure it is not the hose, loose clamp or leaking from the petcock . I am just about to install a DeWitts drop in radiator, so I can't report any results yet.
[Modified by Flame Red, 2:17 PM 1/25/2004]
[Modified by Flame Red, 2:17 PM 1/25/2004]
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Re: Radiator Trouble (CilentKnight)
You can replace the radiator without messing with the A/C but it is tricky.
$150 is cheap, I got a Modine for my '95 for $200 and that was cost.
Only tips I can give are this, someone else may have an easier way.
The obvious easiest way would be to disconnect the A/C and pull the whole thing out as a unit, but then you have to worry about teh refrigerant and stuff, so here's what I did.
Drained Coolant,disconnected upper and lower hoses and air bleed.
removed bolts that hold the fans in place and pushed them back.
removed all visible bolts on top and bottom of cover.
Now the tricky part, there three small bolts on either side that hold the lower support and upper support together. You can reach two on each side with an extension. On the drivers side, you'll need to remove the AIR pump and horn.
For the last two(upper bolts on either side), I pried up until the head was visible than removed, repeat for other side.
Now remove the cover, this isn't easy if you leave the A/C lines in place, but it can be done.
Once you get the cover off, the rad just slides up and out, then clean everything you see, it will be filthy and wear gloves cause you don't know what may be in there(animal guts etc).
reverse for installation.
Don't forget to bleed the system(took about 2 hours to get all the air out).
Hopefully someone can chime in with an easier way, then I can use those tips when I do it again on the other car.
$150 is cheap, I got a Modine for my '95 for $200 and that was cost.
Only tips I can give are this, someone else may have an easier way.
The obvious easiest way would be to disconnect the A/C and pull the whole thing out as a unit, but then you have to worry about teh refrigerant and stuff, so here's what I did.
Drained Coolant,disconnected upper and lower hoses and air bleed.
removed bolts that hold the fans in place and pushed them back.
removed all visible bolts on top and bottom of cover.
Now the tricky part, there three small bolts on either side that hold the lower support and upper support together. You can reach two on each side with an extension. On the drivers side, you'll need to remove the AIR pump and horn.
For the last two(upper bolts on either side), I pried up until the head was visible than removed, repeat for other side.
Now remove the cover, this isn't easy if you leave the A/C lines in place, but it can be done.
Once you get the cover off, the rad just slides up and out, then clean everything you see, it will be filthy and wear gloves cause you don't know what may be in there(animal guts etc).
reverse for installation.
Don't forget to bleed the system(took about 2 hours to get all the air out).
Hopefully someone can chime in with an easier way, then I can use those tips when I do it again on the other car.
