S1 Radiator Removal

[BavarderS1]

Hi all
Have a leaky radiator on my 1988 S1 2.8. Read the forums about removing the radiator which say there are two bolts on top to remove then it lifts off locating pins at the bottom - simple! (after of course disconnecting hoses etc).

Having looked at my car it appears my radiator has locating pins top and bottom. There also appears to be two nuts and bolts on each side about two thirds of the way down the radiator near where the horns are located. Can anyone tell me if I am correct in assuming these four bolts need to be removed and then the bracket lifts clear at the top of the radiator to facilitate the removal from the bottom locating pins.

Many thanks in anticipation. Anxious to complete the job quickly so that I can get back on the road.

[GreenV8S]

If you have pins top and bottom then I don't see any other way to release it. Note that the rad will not be self supporting without the top pins to hold it in place.

[phillpot]

Description sounds like it for later cars, some early cars (yours) are a little different. Photo?

[magpies]

there are long brackets on each side of the rad from the chassis up to the upper rad locating pins. These brackets arebolted to the chassis (2 or 3 10mm hex bolts. remove these and that allows the rad to be lifted out of the lower locating holes

[glenrobbo]

On my ( very early ) S1 there are two brackets bolted to the chassis top front stub rails which hold the radiator top locator pins and insulator rubber bushes.
Unbolt these and the radiator should lift out from the bottom rubber insulators.
( Not sure if it will lift out without removing the bonnet though. )



Just one bolt like this on the top at each side.

Don't forget to disconnect the radiator temp sensor ( otter switch ) wires as well as the hoses etc.

Edited by glenrobbo on Monday 14th August 13:24

[BavarderS1]

Thanks for all the replies. I have taken photos now attached showing the top of the radiator and the bolts near the horn mounting. Seems these will need removing to free the radiator.

[Kitchski]

Should have two M6 bolts at the base of either side of the radiator retaining plates. Remove those, lift the plates off the top of the top locating pins and the rad will fall out (literally - it's quite heavy). Quite easy to do, though access is fun with the bonnet's awful opening angle. Jack the front of the car up, remove the front wheels and open the bonnet to 90deg - much easier.

Draining the system is a PITA, and bleeding it in again is a PITA. Enjoy


ETA: The later cars still have the two M6 fixings each side, with the upper and lower locating pins, but the retaining frame is all one assembly, rather than two individual plates. Also, the cooling fan normally fixes in the front of the frame via four M8 nuts on the end of studs. The horns also attach there, so you end up with a load more fixings, even though the principle is the same as the early cars. Easier on the early car though.

[BavarderS1]

Many thanks and you are spot on regarding removal . Found a photo of the car undergoing restoration (before I bought it) which clearly shows how it is held in place - I should have thought to look there first, sorry

[magpies]

that is pretty much how I described it