| Radiator Install...(warning, this is long....dial up hahaha) |
Subject: Radiator Install...(warning, this is long....dial up hahaha) by Matatk on 2008/6/2 19:19:22 A few weeks ago I posted about my radiator going bad. I did the job last week (which due to further complications was a PIA!). If you want to do a straightforward rad install, I'm sure it wouldn't take more than 2 hours. It's not that difficult. You basically remove the shroud, disconnect the two rad hoses, two trans lines, and a temp (?) sensor. Drop in the new one and go. Well, mine wasn't so simple. I began removing the shroud which was no problem. I drained the coolant and started disconnecting lines. The problem started with the lower trans cooler line. After 20 years, it decided to bond itself to the nut holding it on to the radiator. I ended up snapping it off (twisting it, really) because it was so corroded. I tried to salvage the fitting, at least, and I had to drill it out and use a punch to get the remaining bit. It was on there good. Well, that started my problem. I was pretty frustrated. I tried to get the trans line off, thinking I would just replace the whole thing. No go. There is a retainer fastened into the cross member under the motor. It's nearly impossible to get to. When I finally got to it, I found that the threads had rusted and the screw just spun in the hole without coming out. I spent way too much time trying to get it out. Eventually, I decided to just splice the line. I went to the parts store, got a small length of brake hose (you have to get it preflared unless you have a double flaring tool, which is about $50). I then bought a compression fitting coupler. After a few minutes I was back in business. Big relief. Ok, on to bigger and better things. I took off the hoses (the lower one is the worst). In order to get the lower hose back onto the engine, I found it easier to loosen the tensioner and swing it out of the way. That gave me room to get my hand in there. I then took off my throttle body. Holy crap was that thing dirty! Cleaned it and put it back on. I tried to do the TB bypass, but the hose wasn't long enough and I couldn't get it to maneuver without kinking badly. That'll be a project for later. I also decided I really need to eliminate the smog pump and get that crap out of there. Tons of useless stuff that cramps up the engine bay. Anywho, I also flushed the system and installed a new thermostat. Here's a little tip for the thermostat: before you install it, drill a couple small holes in it. This helps prevent air bubbles and hot spots. After I did all this, I put everything back together and it works great. Sorry for the long post, I'm rambling! Matthew Edit: PICS New Rad:  Broken trans line:  Broken Trans line #2  Dirty TB anyone?:  All cleaned up:  Drilled thermostat:  Trans line repair:  Trans line repair #2:  |
