Fitting new radiator on 16v - easy job?

[belfastfumanchu 0]

I think I may need to change my radiator as the plastic seems to be cracked where the expansion tank hose connects to it.

Just wondering how big a job it is from anyones who done it before? Anything to look out for etc ?

[davidwort 0]

it's not too bad, there's a few fixings at the front of the rad that are difficult to get to, you need to remove the grille and take off two 10mm bolt/screws that attach the side panels/air deflectors to the radiator, that makes it very easy to lift the rad out, otherwise all you really need to do is remove the hoses and fan and cowel first. I think there's also a speed nut and self tapping screw at the bottom of each air deflector panel too.

[Kempy 0]

I've done it. you'll need something to catch all the coolant. and make sure after that the correct amount goes back in. I did this job on my own without any help from the old man, which means its a simple job

[belfastfumanchu 0]

Out of interest what did you pay for new radiators?

[davidwort 0]

about 120 quid from VW

[boost monkey 0]

I've done it. you'll need something to catch all the coolant. and make sure after that the correct amount goes back in. I did this job on my own without any help from the old man, which means its a simple job

 

 

Ditto that, just don't use the old coolant again.

[boost monkey 0]

Out of interest what did you pay for new radiators?

 

Don't get a pattern radiator, they don't sit on the support beam properly :salute:

[belfastfumanchu 0]

About £120 oh well, I suppose thats what I expected. The stupid little end on the top left of the radiator (where the expansion tank hose joins) seems to have cracked on mine. New radiator seems my only choice.

[Toad 0]

Out of interest what did you pay for new radiators?

 

Don't get a pattern radiator, they don't sit on the support beam properly :salute:

 

I think the GSF/ECP ones are particularly cheap/nasty, but some pattern ones are fine. I fitted one years ago. Try finding a radiator specialist local to you who can get them in. They usually have an idea of which manufacturers are good, and which are not. Alternatively, you can't go wrong with VW.

[Jim 1]

Tis a really easy job - if I can do it, anyone can!

 

Definately buy a genuine VW radiator... and just buy new coolant rather than messing around catching the old stuff and sieving it unless it's been changed very recently.

 

To get the radiator out is no more than about 8 or 10 bolts, then you just need to transfer the fan shroud from the old rad onto the new rad and fit it back in.

 

It's a nice easy casual mornings work - with a few cuts and grazes as spring clips on the water pipes are always a game, and the bolts that hold the rad into the plastic ducting underneath the slam panel mean you have to stick your hand down in front of the rad and often end up grazing yourself on the radiator fins! :)

[pete_griff 0]

About £120 oh well, I suppose thats what I expected. The stupid little end on the top left of the radiator (where the expansion tank hose joins) seems to have cracked on mine. New radiator seems my only choice.

 

depending on how old your rad is, a new one might be the best bet.

 

it does sound like it could just be the rad neck though. i'm unsure if you can get a standard part to replace these as they are known to fail. if you can't get a standard part, then gruvenparts do an ally rad neck to replace the plastic one - a little expensive at around £70, but looks very nice and guaranteed never to fail ever again...

 

hope you manage to get it all sorted anyway :)

[davidwort 0]

...it does sound like it could just be the rad neck though. i'm unsure if you can get a standard part to replace these as they are known to fail. if you can't get a standard part, then gruvenparts do an ally rad neck to replace the plastic one - a little expensive at around £70, but looks very nice and guaranteed never to fail ever again...

 

it's a 16v rad though.

[pete_griff 0]

...it does sound like it could just be the rad neck though. i'm unsure if you can get a standard part to replace these as they are known to fail. if you can't get a standard part, then gruvenparts do an ally rad neck to replace the plastic one - a little expensive at around £70, but looks very nice and guaranteed never to fail ever again...

 

it's a 16v rad though.

 

oh - ok, my apologies.

 

i was under the impression all 'rado rads were the same....

 

egg on my face! :ignore:

 

cheers

[belfastfumanchu 0]

No worries, thanks for the info chaps ! :D

Btw, my vag dealer just quoted me £95 inc vat for a new one so ill make a few double checks to make sure its defo the radiator and not the hose and then get me wallet out.

[boost monkey 0]

yes, a broken top hose 'neck' is a new radiator i'm afraid. I've had those break on 2 of my VWs, the plastic / composite they're made of just get so brittle and sometimes just removing the top hose itself or doing the clip back up is enough to crack or even shatter it :sad:

[ww-promo 0]

Hey up!

 

I think I have the same problem in my 1.8 valver?.....Thought I had a leak around the base of the rad, but on closer inspection I noticed coolant running down the left side down the tooth looking seam (as standing looking into the bay) comming from the very top...

 

Is looking like a job for next weeknd!!!...or after payday..