82benzo,

Cranking your engine won't damage your battery. That's what it is designed to do. But it might be weak just from being old.


Even a new battery won't hold a charge long if the alternator isn't recharging it. Think of a battery like a fuel tank, when the fuel is gone it has to be refilled. That is what the ALT does.

If your radiator is like my the one in my 80SDL, it just slides out after removing 2 rubber rings, the transmission cooling hoses and the 2 coolant hoses. Very simple, only need a screwdriver and one wrench.

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