350i Radiator removal/Upgrade.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Peeps....Something that i have been contemplating is fitting the alloy rad that i bought from the "Silver machine"....Now can anyone helps as far a circulation explanation of the system as the alloy rad has no small outlet at the top O/S so something will need re-routing and capping off...But what?...I have looked in the Bible but its not very clear to actually see what is going on.

Also I'm aware that the bonnet, 1 x Light pod and front spoiler need to come off to gain access to the old rad....Im going to replace the mesh but also want to use new bolts that hold the spoiler on so would anyone know what size they are please....Any tip appreciated as well...Cheers...Ziga

[GV]

Hi Mark answers to your questions.

1. The rad plumbing requires flow into Top N/S corner from the Swan Neck. Flow out is from Bottom O/S corner going into the water pump. Air is dispersed through the outlet at the Top N/S corner of the Rad to the Header tank bottom hose connection.

2. The rad is held in place via 2 lugs located at the Bottom of each corner and secured using 2 x 13mm Nut & Bolt at the Top - these are accessed by the removal of both headlight fittings.

3. Once both bolts have been removed the Rad should be jacked up to get the lugs out from their seat on the mounting bracket drifted towards the engine before dropping the rad out from underneath the car making sure you have sufficient clearance to remove the rad out underneath.

4 Refit using the removal process in reverse.

Hope that helps

Andy

[mrzigazaga]

Cheers mate...The Top breather is missing on the rad so will have to re-think it....The rad was modified to fit so it might need some fettling...It came with twin kenlowes and a control stat so i would like to get it in there as the manual override is very intermittent on mine at the moment and thats all that controls the fan...I prefer peace of mind..Ziga

[adam quantrill]

Zig why not have a matching outlet fitted to the rad?

[mrzigazaga]

adam quantrill said:

Zig why not have a matching outlet fitted to the rad?

Not sure what you mean mate??...There are two outlets instead of three, One on the bottom O/S and one on the top N/S...My question was what to do with the connection on the expansion tank that the N/S top would of fitted to?...Cap it off?...Ziga

[superwedge]

hi zig, bolts are 13mm,i put some bigger washers back with my one,got the mesh from wicks, in the garden part then cut to the one that come off,took the two lights out,done st loads to martin;s car,

[adam quantrill]

what I mean is - get a hole drilled in it and a pipe welded on so you can attach the third pipe.