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Problems Installing New OEM Radiator - clearance issues
I am almost finished installing a replacement radiator in my vette. However, I've come across a really strange issue and can't seem to find any resources that explain what to do to fix the issue.
I have just put the new radiator into the car and attempting to connect the condenser to the radiator via the 4 hooks and metal brackets/tabs. The issue I'm having is that even though the radiator and condenser are aligned properly I am unable to get the passenger side tab into the hook due to the AC line that runs at the bottom of the condenser (it's literally blocking me from sliding the condenser into the hooks which are on the radiator itself. I'm at a complete loss for what to do next. Even though I'm using a factory supplied part it just appears as if the line is not able to fit there without modification of sorts. I cannot find any resource that explains what to do in this scenario and I'm really at a loss for what to do.
I've heard this is a challenge and all but I'm literally approaching day 4 and about 18 or so hours of work for a simple radiator replacement.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Last edited by mountain51; Apr 6, 2019 at 07:09 PM.
AC Delco OEM, purchased through RockAuto.com The part number matches the original equipment that was on the vehicle as well as the GM supplied part number (#15145946). Not sure where to go from here. The vendor doesn't offer any tech support and I'm outside the 30 day return period because I wasn't able to find time to do the install until about 5 weeks after purchase. Really scratching my head on this one.
I am almost finished installing a replacement radiator in my vette. However, I've come across a really strange issue and can't seem to find any resources that explain what to do to fix the issue.
I have just put the new radiator into the car and attempting to connect the condenser to the radiator via the 4 hooks and metal brackets/tabs. The issue I'm having is that even though the radiator and condenser are aligned properly I am unable to get the passenger side tab into the hook due to the AC line that runs at the bottom of the condenser (it's literally blocking me from sliding the condenser into the hooks which are on the radiator itself. I'm at a complete loss for what to do next. Even though I'm using a factory supplied part it just appears as if the line is not able to fit there without modification of sorts. I cannot find any resource that explains what to do in this scenario and I'm really at a loss for what to do.
I've heard this is a challenge and all but I'm literally approaching day 4 and about 18 or so hours of work for a simple radiator replacement.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I ran into same problem Sunday while putting in new radiator in my 05 Z51. Pass rad lower tab would absolutely NOT allow condenser to drop in. After around 2 hours and every possible option exhausted I just cut the lower pass plastic tab off the radiator. I did buy OEM replacement and part numbers are correct. It appeared that the aluminum ear on the condenser had warped over time from heat I suppose.
I replaced my radiator a couple weeks ago with a DeWitts and had the same problem. I cut the tab about half way down and was able to get the condenser on. Major pain in the butt though. Disclaimer; No swear words were spoken around minors during the process. But only because there were no minors around.
Problems Installing New OEM Radiator - clearance issues
