Radiator Replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 815
Likes: 192
From: Massillon, OH
Radiator Replacement
Tried searching for a while now and cant find any step by step instructions on replacing the radiator in my C5. Anyone know of a place that will list everything(with pics?) Froggy (youtube) posted a video, but its not even close to detailed. Im mainly concerned with how the radiator is held in and how to get the new one in (what kind of tabs are used, etc)
Also, how hard of a job is this? Im not a "mechanic" but have done hundreds of brake jobs, long tube header installs, etc.....
Much appreciated!
Also, how hard of a job is this? Im not a "mechanic" but have done hundreds of brake jobs, long tube header installs, etc.....
Much appreciated!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 111
Likes: 19
From: Peoria AZ
its not too difficult. you need to remove the intake, the radiator plastic cover, drain the radiator, remove hoses, remove fans (they have 4 tabs that slide in place on the radiator). the radiator should come out after that. my vette is a manual so I don't have any lines hooked up for a trans cooler.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 815
Likes: 192
From: Massillon, OH
Thanks. Still trying a few more fixes before I replace it as I've read it can be a nightmare replacing it. I looked on ls1howto.com but they don't have any write ups with pictures nor can I find anything else online.
Also, does anyone know when the LS1 draws coolant from the reservoir? The past few times I have shut the car off, the fluid level is above the full cold line and when I check it in the morning it's about a half inch below the full cold line. I would think it would draw coolant as it needs it when the engine is hot, or am I wrong?
Also, does anyone know when the LS1 draws coolant from the reservoir? The past few times I have shut the car off, the fluid level is above the full cold line and when I check it in the morning it's about a half inch below the full cold line. I would think it would draw coolant as it needs it when the engine is hot, or am I wrong?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 788
Likes: 105
From: Olathe Kansas
It doesn't really "draw" coolant in..
It's actually part of the pressurized system, Hence to "radiator" cap.
The reason it's level is lower when cold is just the old thermal expansion
Replacing the radiator is pretty simple.. Just take your time and you'll be fine
It's actually part of the pressurized system, Hence to "radiator" cap.
The reason it's level is lower when cold is just the old thermal expansion
Replacing the radiator is pretty simple.. Just take your time and you'll be fine
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
Had the same thing happen. Its been a while, but I recall the only hard thing was getting the electrical connections off of the shroud. I believe it can be removed from either the top or bottom? It seems like I was planning to remove it from below, but ended up removing it from above as I did not have enough room below. Not a bad job. I would suggest you go to You Tube and do a " How to replace a c5 radiator", you will find some videos to help. good luck!
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 316
Likes: 45
From: Sarasota
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 815
Likes: 192
From: Massillon, OH
Sorry guys, I've been busy all weekend......Leak is stopped, for now. I know I'm gonna get flamed like crazy, but whatever.....Used JB weld plastic epoxy and alumaseal radiator flakes. Needed something to temporarily stop the leak until my buddy is free to help me install a new radiator. As far as the plastic "tank" goes, it wasn't the reservoir tank, it was the plastic "end cap" on the drivers side of the radiator.