Radiator!!

[Marc-1]

Help.... 1991 300SL ... The top plastic outlet of my radiator broke. I bought a new radiator and got everything diconnected but I can't separate the radiator from the A/C condensor unit. Got the three little screws out from the front but the bottom is 'stuck together'. Seems the cooling fans and all are attached to the A/C unit. I don't want to break any A/C lines so I stopped there. Can someone please help? Thanks so much.
Marc

[bwheitman]

This is a tricky one and a knuckle buster!

The AC coil bolts onto the radiator assembly with 3 bolts on the top, you are correct about that, but the lower part actually just "sits" into 3 mounts mounts on the radiator. You have to disconnect the A/C line bracket on the lower part of the chassis (not disconnect the line) on the drivers side right where it goes into the condenser. Once you remove this bracket it gives you enough slack to pull the etire assembly up (fans, condenser, radiator) when you pull it 2-3 inches up you can then move it back toward the engine and then lower past the crossover that the radiator sits on, from there you can slide the condenser and radiator assembly up and then the radiator will become detached. Slide the radiator to the floor, move the condenser and fan unit towards the front back into it's original position and then you should be able to move your radiator out of the car. Good luck!
Regards,
Brian

[Marc-1]

Thanks much! What a tricky way to assemble something. It was as you said. To add to this I found that removing the front top brace and aux fan bracket assisted in access because of my big hands. Regardless of hand size it made the job quicker and easier. Also when putting the new radiator in (after several attempts) it was best to put the small rubber mounts on the car first and use WD-40 on them otherwise the new radiator refused to fit into them. Putting them on the radiator first was not an option as the radiator flanges were made to 'expand' the rubber 'locking' it in. Now for the small 6mm bolt located on the top of the frame rail just inside the drivers side wheel. Just as you said. This is a bit tricky to get out but without your advise this would never have been found and must come out. The filling method that I used was by leaving the top hose off and pouring the premixed antifreeze into the overflow tank. Once the solution poured out of the top of the radiator I quickly pushed it on (having the clamp ready on the hose). Then I filled the rest of the overflow tank and checked for leaks. Started the car, brought it halfway to temp and then shut it off allowing it to cool. This pulled the coolant from the overflow tank and filled the radiator / block. Then I topped off the overflow / filler tank. Hint; with radiator removed this was a good time to clean otherwise impossible to reach areas, too include bugs and other debris found between the radiator and AC unit.
We should copy this to a referral site.... Do you know how?
Marc