Radiator removal

[TVR keith]

My mates 98 400 Chim has a leaking rad.
The bible says you have to remove the bonnet to get it out. I've looked at my 2000 450 Chim and cannot see that this is necessary.
There will be two of us to do the job.
Anyone know the answer please?

[roy the boy]

I removed mine by myself to get it recored a couple of months ago. Had no problems with the bonnet left on. I also left the fans connected to it whilst I lifted it out.

After it had the recore it was a few mm wider and this meant a little wiggling to get it back but it went in eventually with minimal damage to the black paint on the inner wing - so my advice would be to cover this with something thin and strong to protect the paint finish just in case.

I've only got one problem - it's leaking again and the place I had it recored says I have to remove it again to have it looked at

[penno]

I removed mine for a recore to left the bonnet in place. I would get someone to help lift it out isn't as light as you think

Good word of advice about protecting the paint work I scratched mine a little to.
Another tip is make sure the bleed nut on top is in good condition I cracked the weld around the tread when bleeding it. So I had to take it out again to have welded back bit of a pain.

[Big Brin]

All you have to do is ensure that the bonnet is propped open to the max. Use a broom or something like that. This leaves enough space to work and extract the radiator.

Rgds, Brin

[dingg]

yep as big brin says - but cover the inner wings as they are easily scraped

[TVR keith]

Thanks for the replies, I think we will try without removing the bonnet

[TVR keith]

Well we got it out last weekend, gone to be fixed. Left the bonnet on, removed the air pipe and took it out with the fans attached.
We will grind a bit off the mounting braket shoulders to enable easier replacement, it was very tight.
The antifreeze is green and don't want to put blue antifreeze in it as we are told that it will turn brown. Don't think we can easily flush it all out, I don't want to mess about with the drain taps on the block for example. They don't leak so leaving well alone.
So does anyone know where I can get green antifreeze please?

Edited by TVR keith on Wednesday 16th August 11:29

[richb]

TVR keith said:

The antifreeze is green and don't want to put blue antifreeze in it as we are told that it will turn brown.

When I did art green and blue mixed makes a greeny bluey colour