Radiator Swap 04 DII

[braves6117]

Hi Guys,

I'm planning on swapping out my leaking radiator this weekend.

Searching here reveals I don't need to remove the viscous fan (although it makes it easier) and I don't have the tool anyways. It also seems I don't need to disconnect the oil cooler lines, I can just work around them.

Anyways, are there any tips or tricks I should know? Anything I should watch out for?

I plan on draining the system per Rave manual, then flushing with water via the driver side upper input hose.

Lastly, I understand that for refilling the system, the Disco's front end should be raised and the expansion tank removed and held high. Fortunaltely, I have a very steep driveway just for this

 

[mbrummal]

If you don't want to remove the cooler lines, you would probably curse yourself for not removing the fan. When I replaced mine, I had a lot of trouble getting it out even with the fan off.

Well, you don't have an engine oil cooler so it would be easier than mine was.

 

[BackInA88]

I've had mine out twice.
First time with removing the fan and coolers.
Second time I pulled it as an assembly.
It's much easier to pull as an assembly.

Get the clutch fan wrench it cheap.
Clean the quick disconnects under the plastic sleeves with brake or carb cleaner with compressed air to get the crud out while sliding them back and forth.
You may even need channel locks to get the sleeves back far enough to get them off. Than clean them again before you try to reconnect them.
And make sure they slide back up to lock.

Steve

 

[flyfisher11]

You can get the wrench at Advance on loan. It's 36mm btw.

 

[justintoxicated1]

I just swapped my rad. a few months ago without removing the fan or both oil and tranny cooler lines. Tight squeeze. I'd definately recommend removing the fan for that extra space. Would make it soooooooo much easier.

 

[braves6117]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the support. Thanks for the wrench size as well Mike. I'm going to tackle this tomorrow.

Just so I don't make a very stupid mistake, I called my local auto parts store and they only have a 36mm fan wrench for a ford. Its the one in the link I provided below.


Will this work? Or is the LR tool different?

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kdt3136-76.html






(((((And lastly, do you actually need two of these guys to get the job done as indicated by the rave manual (image below).


http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii44/braves6117/fanimage.jpg))))


Found my answer to my second question here: Thanks PT!

 

[jeffro0502]

When I did mine a while back I didn't use the wrench...I had a larger aluminum pipe wrench and used one...I just popped it, and it was easy to turn after that.

 

[braves6117]

sweet, I'll go take a look and see if I can manage that. Thanks

 

[braves6117]

ROUND TWO.

So, I'm almost there! The original radiator is hanging on by two cooler lines that I can not for the life of me get to release. I've soaked them, and cleaned them to no avail.

I was able to work around the passenger side cooler line, but the driver side is more or less connected by a joint to the radiator housing (along with the smaller radiator behind the outer grill).

My other 2 problems: My Replacement radiator DOES NOT have the sensor harness input for the SAI as my original does (I was told it would, my fault for not checking until now), and I can't find the passenger side coolant drain plug.

So, can I drain and flush the cooling system just with only the driver side drain plug removed or is removal of both neccessary? And, will the inevitable CEL from the unplugged sensor extinguish after a couple drive cycles?

 

[mbrummal]

My other 2 problems: My Replacement radiator DOES NOT have the sensor harness input for the SAI as my original does (I was told it would, my fault for not checking until now)...

does the new rad have a plug where the sensor is on the old one?

 

[braves6117]

does the new rad have a plug where the sensor is on the old one?

Yeah, there's actually a bolt right at that location.

 

[mbrummal]

just move the sensor to the new rad.

 

[Allen Skillman]

The Ford one works fine...... $6 tool

 

[braves6117]

Thanks Mason, sometimes you have to be spoon fed to get it. Sorry.


Anwyays, I'm just waiting for the system to burp.