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cbdallas
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SEP 24, 10:46 PM
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Hey guys, anybody here done a radiator replacement? Tell me about how it went for you. I have a puddle under the nose, will look at it from underneath tomorrow to see if I'm lucky enough for it to be a bad hose.
What's the difficulty level of the radiator job?
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fierosound
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SEP 25, 02:25 AM
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cbdallas
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SEP 25, 08:52 AM
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Thanks much! Do you happen to know the capacity of the cooler? I'm trying to figure out how much trans fluid to add after the radiator swap. Google, and the search function aren't helping much.
Thanks
Charlie
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css9450
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SEP 25, 10:30 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by cbdallas:
Thanks much! Do you happen to know the capacity of the cooler? I'm trying to figure out how much trans fluid to add after the radiator swap. Google, and the search function aren't helping much.
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You'll be surprised by how little trans fluid leaks out. Check the dipstick before and after and add as needed.
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Shho13
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SEP 25, 10:58 AM
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I replaced my radiator last spring for the same reason as you with an aftermarket Champion "three core" unit... It went pretty smooth, but I had to modify (trim) the rubber isolators a bit and widen the top bracket by the filler kneck to accommodate the wider rad... However, you won't need to do that if you choose to replace it with a stock unit of course...
It comes out the top. Easiest way to do it IMO is to remove the hood, but before you do, scribe where it's bolted to on the hinges so it's lined up easily on reinstall. Pretty self explanatory job honestly. Get some new hoses and put them in while you're there from the coolant tubes to the rad. IIRC, Rodney Dickman carries them. Not that expensive and get peace of mind they are new and won't blow on you.
Recommend you change the thermostat too while you're at it... You'll have it out anyway to refill and bleed the system...
To bleed coolant system the way I've been doing it for years (I think Patrick here in the forum came up with this technique?) is to jack up the rear of the car nice and high (so it's the highest point in the coolant system), with the front rad cap off and fill from the rear filler kneck until coolant comes out the radiator. Recap it, and continue filling until it's full. That will get a majority of the air out right from the start. Cap it with no thermostat and let it run for a few minutes and drive around the block with the heat on full. To finish, take rear cap off again and top off if needed and install thermostat.
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"Discord"
Red 1988 GT under restoration!
Let's Go Mets!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)[This message has been edited by Shho13 (edited 09-25-2020).]
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fierosound
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SEP 25, 11:05 AM
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cbdallas
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SEP 25, 11:21 PM
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Thanks guys. OEM style radiator, cap. all hoses and a thermostat ordered. Looking forward to getting her sealed up.
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Patrick
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SEP 26, 04:03 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Shho13:
To bleed coolant system the way I've been doing it for years (I think Patrick here in the forum came up with this technique?) is to jack up the rear of the car nice and high (so it's the highest point in the coolant system), with the front rad cap off and fill from the rear filler kneck until coolant comes out the radiator. Recap it, and continue filling until it's full. That will get a majority of the air out right from the start. Cap it with no thermostat and let it run for a few minutes and drive around the block with the heat on full. To finish, take rear cap off again and top off if needed and install thermostat.
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What I've posted Here (and elsewhere) is not quite what you've posted above. One main difference is that turning the "heat on full" makes no difference whatsoever... as coolant is constantly flowing through the heater core, no matter what heat settings are selected.
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cbdallas
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SEP 27, 10:41 PM
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I figured since I have help, and from the looks of it, it'll be an easier job without the hood in the way, so she's now ready for her radiator. Thanks for the tips & info guys.
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fierogt28
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SEP 28, 12:14 AM
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Its the best way to complete the job, without the hood installed.  ------------------
fierogt28
88 GT, Loaded, 5-speed.
88 GT, 5-speed. Beechwood interior, All original.
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