Radiator smoking Hmmmm thats not good I guess

[Jay_vr6 0]

Having done the head gasket and the coolant pipes, replacing the sump I now find that I have a mysterious coolant leak, car is only running at around 80 degrees temp and there seems to be a hell of alot of smoke coming from the radiator, it's actually thrown some coolant out on the way home today which hit the fan and sprayed all out of my grill, quite impressive to the public. Anyway I've ordered a new rad but how easy or hard are they to fit ? I've done a search and read that it's abit tricky but not the hardest job.

 

so does anyone have a quick fire guide to replacing the rad ?

[Timo. 0]

Dont let anyone tell you to take the slam panel off. Cos you dont need too. Try searching as there is articles around that helped me change mine when it went.

 

Its not difficult, just a wee bit tight getting the radiator out. Just undo the front engine mount and one of the rears and jack it up to the sky and you can slip the old rad out and the new rad in.

 

T.

[Timo. 0]

previous post of mine:-

 

Its not difficult, just a bit fiddely. One thing I did was undo the front engine mount and jack up the engine, gives a little more room in there and makes getting the rad out a bit easier. It is a tight fit though but it can be done.

 

It took me just over an hour to do it. I think battery out first, undo the coolant pipes, take out the lights (lets you see alot better), remove the plastic grill, then undo the radiator/fan bolts. Then slide out the fan unit. (its worse to get out than the radiator!!) then out comes the rad. Easy as that.

 

Think there is a proper right up somewhere on the forum, have a search and you might find it.

 

Its worth gettting a new temp sensor for the radiator too and mine was fecked!! almost fell apart trying to unscrew it from the rad.

 

Dont forget some G12+ coolant!!

[Jay_vr6 0]

I thought the slam panel would be the first thing out too :)

 

thanks