Radiator - removal, repair and refitting
Removal
1 Drain the cooling system. Retain the coolant if it is fit for further service.
2 Release the retaining clips and disconnect all the hoses from the radiator.
Disconnect the radiator top hose . . .
. . . the bottom hose and expansion tank hose
3 Disconnect the wiring plug from the rear of the radiator fan motor.
4 Unscrew and remove the two mounting bolts
Radiator left-hand mounting bolt (arrowed)
and carefully lift the radiator, complete with cowl and fan, from the engine compartment. The base of the radiator is held in place by lugs.
Repair
5 If the purpose of removal was to thoroughly clean the radiator, first reverse flush it with a cold water hose. The normal coolant flow is from left to right (from the thermostat housing to the radiator) through the matrix and out of the opposite side.
6 If the radiator fins are clogged with dirt, remove it with a soft brush or blow compressed air from the rear of the radiator. It is recommended that the fan assembly is first removed. In the absence of a compressed air line, a strong jet from a water hose may provide an alternative method of cleaning.
7 If the radiator is leaking, it is recommended that a reconditioned or new one is obtained from specialists. In an emergency, minor leaks from the radiator can be cured by using a radiator sealant. If the radiator, due to neglect, requires the application of chemical cleaners, follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely and appreciate that there is an element of risk in the use of most de-scaling products, especially in a system which incorporates alloy and plastic materials.
Refitting
8 Refit the radiator by reversing the removal operations, but make sure that the rubber lug insulators at its base are in position.
9 Refill the system.