Radiator removal - bonnet off ?

[taylormj4]

Hi everyone,
Radiator has a small leak that is blowing steam a little. It's the car's second radiator. It lasted around 6 or 7 years, which isn't bad but not that great either. Makes me wonder if the radiator is under mechanical stress, which is causing the core to pull out of the ends or fracture. So I'm going to remove and refit myself this time to make sure the mounts are good etc. Then get the rad repaired.

SH's book says the bonnet needs to come off. Is that really true or can you get the rad out without removing the bonnet ?

I found a step by step rad removal thread on PH and it didn't mention anything about bonnet removal.

[phazed]

No need to remove bonnet although two pairs of hands are advisable so you don't scratch the paintwork.

[phillpot]

As above, had the rad out of mine when I did a 3" body lift but pretty sure the bonnet never came off.

Can be done on your own, plenty of old blankets or towels to protect wings

[stumpage]

Doesn't have to but for the sake of 2 bolts and an extra pair of hand it makes the job much easier.

[TJC46]

phazed said:

No need to remove bonnet although two pairs of hands are advisable so you don't scratch the paintwork.

This The bonnet will go almost vertical just tie it up on one of the garage roof beams, or similar. This will give you a lot more room to work.

[pwd95]

Did mine recently single handed. Quite straight forward really.

[JimTC]

taylormj4 said:

Hi everyone,
Makes me wonder if the radiator is under mechanical stress, which is causing the core to pull out of the ends or fracture.

When I had my radiator replaced a couple of years ago by a respected TVR specialist they advised that in many cases radiators are stressed when fitted, or re-fitted due to a twisting force caused by the body not being completely true all fixing holes being slightly misaligned. May need to enlarge the fixing holes or add packing to ensure no stress induced. Didn't see it first hand but it sounds plausible..

[taylormj4]

JimTC said:

When I had my radiator replaced a couple of years ago by a respected TVR specialist they advised that in many cases radiators are stressed when fitted, or re-fitted due to a twisting force caused by the body not being completely true all fixing holes being slightly misaligned. May need to enlarge the fixing holes or add packing to ensure no stress induced. Didn't see it first hand but it sounds plausible..

This is what I was thinking yes. It will be interesting to see how the rad naturally wants to sit compared to the mounts. I am expecting some modification may be necessary. However, if the forces are coming from the body flexing under 'normal' driving conditions then there may be little that can be done to avoid it.

[taylormj4]

stumpage said:

Doesn't have to but for the sake of 2 bolts and an extra pair of hand it makes the job much easier.

Reason for not wanting to try is that teh bolts seem a bit stiff and I have heard that the captive nuts can crack out of the bodywork, which would be a real PITA to fix. Plus where do you store a TVR bonnet where it isn't going to get damaged. I don't have a large workshop unfortunately.

So if any chance of doing it without removing the bonnet, that sounds good to me.