Radiator Replacement

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Replace Your Radiator

Things you need:
Pliers
10mm rachet
12mm wrench
Flathead Screwdriver
Drop Pan for coolant

O.K, so, you don't need to jack your car up for this, although it would be somewhat easier. But I left her on the ground. First, take your 10mm rachet, and take of the 4 bolts from the rad support things, you'll see them, two on each side, and they hold the plates that hold the rad in. Take those off, than, take off the two 10mm bolts on each fan (I have a/c, if you don't, there will be only one fan.)Than, take off the 10mm bolt holding the one a/c line to the right fan off so you can rotate it out of your way. Than, disconnect the two electrical connections on the left side fan, they are near the bottom and chould be one green and one grey. To get those, simply pull up on the clip (it looks like you push it down, but you don't) and seperate. Next, there is a plastic clamp on the right side fan that holds an a/c line, just twist it, and it comes undone, than pull out the right side fan very carefully, you have to move it to the right first to get the clip off. You'll see that clip on the very right edge of the rad, holding the fan in place. Than, carefully work it out, and place it on top of your motor, it'll still have wires attached. Next, move to the left side fan, and you have to lift the rad about 3-4inches up to be able to get that fan out, pull it out carefully, and set it aside as far as you can, it as well will be still attached. If you can get to the drain plug on your rad (I couldn't), than drain it. Than undo your upper and lower rad hoses by moving the clamps back with your pliers, and attempting to spin the hose to break the seal, this is much easier than just trying to pull straight. If that doesn't work, take your flat head screwdriver, and kinda try to get it underneath the hose to break that seal. MAKE SURE you have your drop pan under when you do this to catch the coolant. Finally, pull out you rad. Clean out the area with some soap and water, may as well when you have acces. And now would be a good time to throw on a header. Than, throw your new rad in, make sure you hit the lower holes that hold the rad, they are rubber re-inforced. Re-connect the lower rad hose, than drop the right fan in, kinda have to lift the rad again 3-4 inches if you have a/c to sneak it it. AND BE CAREFULL WITH YOUR NEW RAD!!!, don't bend the fins. After you get that fan in, drop the right side in, this is really tight, so be patient and make sure you get the clip onto the right side of the rad again, and the a/c line clamp. Bolt them back into place, re-connect you electrical connections, and bolt the rad back in. Next, you connect your upper rad hose, and prepare a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. New stuff. Fill the new rad slowly, than, leave your rad cap off, and get your 12mm wrench. There is a purge type bolt right by your upper rad hose where it connects to the motor, it has a hole in the top. Undo that bolt not all the way, but just so a couple of threads hold, and coolant should come out that hole in the top. When you do this, also the coolant level in your rad will drop, because you are bleeding it for air. Now, start your car up, and keep pouring rad fluid in till that bolt bleeds straight coolant and no air, tighten the bolt, ensure the rad is topped of and throw the cap on, let her get nice and warm to test it, look for leaks or whatever. And your done.


CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE RAD CAP WHEN ENGINE IS WARM!!!! Do this on a cool motor