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:

Like most of my jobs - it takes me 90% of the time to get the first 90% done, and another 90% to get the other 10% done.

I did this job two weekends ago. I too had problems with the lower trans line. I wound up having to use Vice Grips to the a good bite on that soft ass metal.

My '84 must be an early one as it did not have a coolant level sensor....So not knowing what that hole was, I had to spend an evening questioning every one....then I got NAPA to source one for me after going to 5 different auto parts stores.

That was my big SNAFU for that job

I cut the radiator shroud so that it can be removed later without taking off any hoses or lines. This way it can be cleaned easily

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That sounds like a really good idea. Wish I had thought of that when I had it all apart. Two zips with the sawzall would have solved that problem. Surprised I've never heard of it before.

Matthew

No Sawzall needed, I used tin snips, the type used for sheet metal. I thought it was metal for some reason. anyway, two snips and off to the next step.

I somehow thought that my radiator/condenser area would be free of debris....."'cause I am special"......what a rude awakening I got.

Now I'm going to pull that shroud every so often and shop vac out that area.

Read this thread...

http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... hp?topic_id=3879&start=40

Did/Does anyone else use thread tape on those oil lines?? I didn't feel good about buttoning up the hole thing without the tread tape being on there first.

When I got a leak in the passengers side tank, I paid to have it done. I normally don't do that, but I'm damn glad I did.

$240 including the radiator from my go fast shop.

That shroud is a major PITA!!! Who the hell thought it was a good idea to use 6 teeny screws?

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Nut driver on your cordless drill and the job is done in ~2 minutes.

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Oil cooler doesn't run through mine so I can't comment. Is it a flare fitting? If so it shouldn't be used.

Matthew

yeah, the lines that you twisted off....

So you say no thread tape needed?