Radiator removal

[buzzsaw]

Can someone please give me pointers in removing the radiator from a 97 Chim?

[shpub]

Just pray that you don't have one of the cars where you need to cut GRP away to get access to the mounting bolts...

Steve

[pbrettle]

Why do you need to get at it? Is it something that can be done without getting it out altogether? You can get to the front through the grille and most of the rad is accessible in the bay....

Might it be worth going to a specialist to have it done. There are a few here have done this and it isnt that expensive - try a search.....

Cheers,

Paul

[trefor]

What a coincidence. I took mine out last night, it was weeping a bit (i.e. leaking, not crying 'cos I took it out) and it's in the boot of the A6 right now, ready to go to the reconditioners in about 15 minutes. Bolts were the easy bit, but it's helluva tight fit. On my '95 car the expansion tank sits in the middle on the front chassis member, I found there was more room to get the rad out by loosening this off a bit - you have to take the rad out with the fans attached (I think) and it takes some wiggling.

I think I'm really clever 'cos I found that by disconnecting the top end of bottom hose and 'pouring' some fluid out I could then remove the rad with most of the fluid in it still - much easier than a messy garage floor.

Took about 1 hour including messing about deciding which hoses to undo to make the least mess etc.

BTW - it doesn't look very big once it's out of the car.

Enjoy.

Trefor/.