Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig
Replacing the radiator isn't very difficult, I replaced mine in about an hour. Drain coolant, disconnect hoses, disconnect transmission lines, move fan shield out of way, remove top oil cooler bracket, remove clips from radiator, and lift straight up. That's about it, installation is the reverse. This is a good time to replace hoses and coolant too. I also considered a metal radiator, but I didn't want to wait to order one, so I just tossed in another OEM. I did notice that my operating temperature decreased by about 5C with the new radiator, so it was due anyway. Maybe I'll plan ahead a little and get a metal one next time. BTW, don't over-tighten the hose clamps on the new radiator necks.
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Craig is right on. Its very easy. I would just add that there are two brackets connecting the oil cooler to the radiator (upper and LOWER), they are 10mm bolts. The hose clamps should be 7mm bolts (if they are original). The transmission cooler lines are 19mm (17mm?). Have a drip pan ready for tranny fluid and something to plug the tranny lines with, maybe a pencil stub.
So:
1) Drain coolant from the radiator plug (blue plug on the drivers side) ~ 4 liters. Take the cap off the expansion tank AFTER you've pulled the plug.
2) Disconnect the three coolant hoses at the radiator (one upper, two lower).
3) Disconnect the transmission cooler lines, plug the lines.
4) Disconnect the upper and lower brackets between the oil cooler and the radiator.
5) Pry the (2) clips off that connect the fan shroud to the radiator, pull the fan shroud up a little bit and move it back out of your way. Don't try to remove it from the car.
6) Pry the (2) clips off that hold the radiator to the car. Lift the radiator up and out.
Installation is the reverse.