Radiator - removal, inspection and refitting

Cooling, heating and ventilation systems / Radiator - removal, inspection and refitting

Removal
1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. Note: Make sure you know the anti-theft code for the radio so that it can be reactivated later.

2 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1 by disconnecting the radiator bottom hose.

3 Disconnect the wiring from the thermoswitch and cooling fan motor (see illustrations).

3.3a Disconnect the wiring from the thermoswitch . . .

3.3b . . . and cooling fan motor

4 Disconnect the top hose from the radiator (see illustration).

3.4 Disconnecting the top hose

5 Remove the upper mounting screws and washers, move the top of the radiator rearwards, and withdraw the mounting rubbers (see illustrations).

3.5a Removing the radiator upper mounting screws

3.5b Removing the radiator upper mounting rubbers

6 Lift the radiator out of the lower mounting rubbers and withdraw it from the engine compartment taking care not to damage the matrix.

7 Remove the screws and withdraw the cowling and fan from the radiator.

inspection
8 If the radiator has been removed due to suspected blockage, reverse flush it as described in Chapter 1. Clean dirt and debris from the radiator fins, using an air line (in which case, wear eye protection) or a soft brush. Be careful, as the fins are easily damaged, and are sharp.

9 If necessary, a radiator specialist can perform a “flow test” on the radiator, to establish whether an internal blockage exists.

10 A leaking radiator must be referred to a specialist for permanent repair. Do not attempt to weld or solder a leaking radiator, as damage may result.

11 In an emergency, minor leaks from the radiator can be cured by using a suitable radiator sealant in accordance with the manufacturers instructions with the radiator in situ.

12 If the radiator is to be sent for repair or renewed, remove the thermostatic switch.

Refitting
13 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but if necessary renew the radiator mounting rubbers. Fill the cooling system as described in Chapter 1.