How to remove radiator?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 31
From: Dyer IN
How to remove radiator?
I am in the process of swapping out the cam in my car and I have ran into a small problem. Following the instructions I found on the forums it seems like a pretty straight forward install.
The only issue I have found however is how to remove the radiator. I have removed all the larger hoses from the block and now all that is connected are the smaller silver 4 connections that are on the side of the radiator (4 total / 2 each side / top and bottom). I have tried to follow the lines to see where they go, but the get lost underneath the steering rack and suspension components.
And recommendations? Can I just unbolt them from the radiator? In the pictures it appears he has nothing running past the engine.
The only issue I have found however is how to remove the radiator. I have removed all the larger hoses from the block and now all that is connected are the smaller silver 4 connections that are on the side of the radiator (4 total / 2 each side / top and bottom). I have tried to follow the lines to see where they go, but the get lost underneath the steering rack and suspension components.
And recommendations? Can I just unbolt them from the radiator? In the pictures it appears he has nothing running past the engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
Likes: 14
From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
I am in the process of swapping out the cam in my car and I have ran into a small problem. Following the instructions I found on the forums it seems like a pretty straight forward install.
The only issue I have found however is how to remove the radiator. I have removed all the larger hoses from the block and now all that is connected are the smaller silver 4 connections that are on the side of the radiator (4 total / 2 each side / top and bottom). I have tried to follow the lines to see where they go, but the get lost underneath the steering rack and suspension components.
And recommendations? Can I just unbolt them from the radiator? In the pictures it appears he has nothing running past the engine.
The only issue I have found however is how to remove the radiator. I have removed all the larger hoses from the block and now all that is connected are the smaller silver 4 connections that are on the side of the radiator (4 total / 2 each side / top and bottom). I have tried to follow the lines to see where they go, but the get lost underneath the steering rack and suspension components.
And recommendations? Can I just unbolt them from the radiator? In the pictures it appears he has nothing running past the engine.
Remove the cooler lines. Slip the ac condenser out of the tabs on the front of the radiator and remove the radiator. I found separating the condenser and radiator the hardest part. Or, you can discharge the AC and remove the lines from the condenser and remove as a unit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 3
From: CA
Ya, seperating the A/C condensor from the radiator is a PITA. It's very helpful if you have another set of hands so each of you can work a side. BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO PUNCH A HOLE IN THE CONDENSOR!!!!
Don't forget to remove the 4 lines (if Z51 equipped). Just slide the plastic clips back and with a pick or tiny flat head pull the clips out. Then just pull the line out. Be ready to catch any fluid that is going to spill.
Don't forget to remove the 4 lines (if Z51 equipped). Just slide the plastic clips back and with a pick or tiny flat head pull the clips out. Then just pull the line out. Be ready to catch any fluid that is going to spill.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 31
From: Dyer IN
Based on your description I'm going to guess you have an automatic and an oil cooler - Z51?
Remove the cooler lines. Slip the ac condenser out of the tabs on the front of the radiator and remove the radiator. I found separating the condenser and radiator the hardest part. Or, you can discharge the AC and remove the lines from the condenser and remove as a unit.
Remove the cooler lines. Slip the ac condenser out of the tabs on the front of the radiator and remove the radiator. I found separating the condenser and radiator the hardest part. Or, you can discharge the AC and remove the lines from the condenser and remove as a unit.
So remove the cooler lines--the 4 aluminum hoses that bolt into the side of the radiator?
Track Junky
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 36
From: Orlando Area
Tech Contributor
The 2 lines on the driver side are oil cooler. The two on the left are tranny cooler. Pull the plastic cap back, pull the e-clip out and get ready for a bit of mess. You may have to push the line in a bit first before it will release. The large wire shelf end caps (they cover up the metal end from the sharp edges of the cut) make very good FME covers on the lines. Go to the wire shelving section at Home Depot or Lowes and you will figure out what I'm talking about. Use small balloons everywhere else. You may have to tie up the lower oil line as it will naturally lay lower than the oil pan and start leaking - ask me how I know...
I had to trim about 3/8 off the plastic tabs that hold the A/C condenser to the radiator to remove.
Hope this helps a bit.
Sean
I had to trim about 3/8 off the plastic tabs that hold the A/C condenser to the radiator to remove.
Hope this helps a bit.
Sean
Track Junky
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 36
From: Orlando Area
Tech Contributor
Oh, and don't forget to disconnect the temp sensor plug at the bottom of the pass side in front on the radiator. Finally, some of the plastic flaps make it tough to remove by yourself. Two people is highly recommended.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 31
From: Dyer IN
The 2 lines on the driver side are oil cooler. The two on the left are tranny cooler. Pull the plastic cap back, pull the e-clip out and get ready for a bit of mess. You may have to push the line in a bit first before it will release. The large wire shelf end caps (they cover up the metal end from the sharp edges of the cut) make very good FME covers on the lines. Go to the wire shelving section at Home Depot or Lowes and you will figure out what I'm talking about. Use small balloons everywhere else. You may have to tie up the lower oil line as it will naturally lay lower than the oil pan and start leaking - ask me how I know...
I had to trim about 3/8 off the plastic tabs that hold the A/C condenser to the radiator to remove.
Hope this helps a bit.
Sean
I had to trim about 3/8 off the plastic tabs that hold the A/C condenser to the radiator to remove.
Hope this helps a bit.
Sean
When I was looking at them the looked as if they would have to taken off with with a wrench since the had an octagon shape.
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Track Junky
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 36
From: Orlando Area
Tech Contributor
As a rule of thumb, if you find yourself putting a wrench on anything plastic, you're probably doing something wrong.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 31
From: Dyer IN
Those are the plastic caps. They pop off with minimal force. Make sure you put the e-clips in a ziplock to avoid losing them. They are tiny and can easily walk away with a project as large as a cam swap.
As a rule of thumb, if you find yourself putting a wrench on anything plastic, you're probably doing something wrong.
As a rule of thumb, if you find yourself putting a wrench on anything plastic, you're probably doing something wrong.
Track Junky
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 36
From: Orlando Area
Tech Contributor
I think I know what you are talking about... You should see the clip now. It's about .040 thick and, if I remember correctly, is painted orange on the oil cooler lines (tranny cooler side are bare metal). Kinda of a pain to get out. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to push them up slightly out of their groove and a small flat head screwdriver to slide under.
