Radiator Replacement

[N3FOL]

I am now convinced that my 1995 Taurus ATX has a radiator leak. It only leaks everytime the engine is just starting to warm up. Once warmed up, the leak totally stops. I had reviewed almost all of the topics regarding radiator leak in this forum and they were most helpful.

This afternoon, I placed my SHO on stands and took a closer look on the radiator leak. Sure enough, the leak is coming from between the plastic and aluminum portion of the radiator on the driver side. Once the car has warmed up, the leak stops (seal problem?). My main concern is this...how hard is it to replace a radiator? Do I need special tools to do the job? What precautions should I be aware of before I start the job?

I had done most of the maintenance work on my SHO including a full 60K and brakes. However, I am not a mechanic at all. Any helpful hints and advice are appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Bro, if you did a 60k then you'll have no problem. It is very easy, the hardest part for me was trying to get the lower radiator hose off.

By the way, I had the same problem. I used heavy duty epoxy and plastered the whole edge where the plastic and metal meet, and then ran stop-leak through it. No problems so far, just a though in case you can't afford a radiator right now (like me!) thumb

 

[Machspeed]

Ya that lower hose can be a f'n pita. Other then that its very strait foward and easy. I also suggest changing your hoses. 2 days after i did my radiator my hose went.

 

[ISHOU]

Did mine a year ago. The lower tranny line is kind of tight to get to but otherwise a pretty easy job. Don't forget the scotch tape. You'll find out why. I bought my radiator for $119 here and had it in two days.
www.discountradiators.com

<small>[ December 19, 2003, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: ISHOU ]</small>

 

[SonicRiot]

mine does the same thing...leaks at the end tank on the driver's side.
I was all prepared to recrimp or replace it when it just stopped leaking! shrug

I would try recrimping it first...the next day it leaks on me, that's what I'm doing.

 

[Bizzy]

don't use stopleak on a car. That stuff is like a cancer that will settle in all the wrong places

 

[N3FOL]

Thanks for all your replys. From the way it looks, the job seems to be pretty straightforward. However, I'd like to know what needs to come out before the radiator. Is this the right order???

1st - drain the coolant. 2nd - unhook the computer above the radiator. 3rd - remove the fans? Looks complicated to me. 4th - unhook all lines going to the radiator... 5th - take off radiator.

Question: There are two metal lines on the passenger side of the radiator. Do I need to apply something before reinstalling it into the new radiator?

 

[SonicRiot]

Don't forget to unplug the battery first!!!! doh

You'll need those fingers!!!!

 

[N3FOL]

OK, I just picked up my new radiator from Advance Auto (Go Dan) for $139.00 with a lifetime limited replacement warranty. I will now drain the coolant and grab some lunch and then the rest will follow. It is sort of like a blow by blow stats in boxing - I will check back in this forum ...if I get stuck doing something (I hope not). Wish me luck.

 

[N3FOL]

Got stuck at this point. I am taking my lunch break after having a hard time taking off the two metal lines on the passenger side of the vehicle that is hooked on the radiator. I just can't move the bottom bolt. I tried to spray a little bit of WD 40 and have lunch for a few minutes. As for the top bolt, how can I possibly use a tool to take it off. It is too tight in there. What special tool should I use? Your inputs are greatly appreciated.

(95 ATX)

 

[Dr. Tweak]

I dunno bro, I have an MTX. MTX owns you!!! laugh_ti

 

[N3FOL]

Good news on this end. I finally finished replacing my radiator today. The bolt that I was referring to from my last post was taken care off. I realized that I was trying to take off the bigger bolt not the smaller one. As soon as I was able to disconnect the two metal tubes that were connected to the radiator...it was a breeze from there. I guess I got scared with the fan being in front of the radiator...I thought that it would be a much more complicated work. It turned out not to be too bad at all. In fact, the fan came out all in one assembly.

The whole job (my first time) took me a total of 7 hours including garage clean up time. As one of you mentioned... I also had a difficult time taking off and putting on the lower rad. hose. BTW, if you guys plan to replace your radiator soon...do not forget to pickup a new radiator cap along the way. Thanks SHO Forum.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Congrats bro! I told you it wasn't bad thumb