Radiator

[bobbyhi]

Got the new radiator today. Do I have to remove the fans to get the shroud off the radiator? Probably the first of many questions for this project.

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by bobbyhi

Got the new radiator today. Do I have to remove the fans to get the shroud off the radiator? Probably the first of many questions for this project.

I think it will be easier getting the shroud off if you do. They are pretty easy to get out if I remember right.

Are you replacing hoses, thermostat, antifreeze and flushing the motor while you are doing this too?

There are a couple of tricks that make this job easier, but it is pretty much an all day, or even two day affair if you are doing all the above.

Antifreeze - You can get the required antifreeze at NAPA. You want the green stuff that says silicated or silicates and has the 1825M rating.

Flushing - Use distilled water only. I think I bought 6 gallons.

Thermostat - Also at NAPA, 180d, #THM124, about $20.

Hoses - SAMCO on the registry store. Get the clamps too if you do this.

Shroud - when you get to this point, you want to be on the passenger side of the vehicle, pull the drivers side (having a friend on that side helps a lot) of the shroud up first and towards you. The you will have to wiggle it around the AC hoses but it is fairly flexible.

Post if you have more questions, lots of help here. You already know that though. GL

[tomtom72]

Oh yea I remember that project!

It's just alot of busy work & cussing at those six screws on the sides of the shroud......man there was a lot of those that got lost somewhere!

I pulled off the oil lines, mine were leaking so that was part of the project. I felt that that move made for one less thing to manouver the shroud around, fwiw. Just be patient because you will cuss the blasted packaging.....ya know 10 lbs of stuff in a 7 lb bag! Over at the netreg in the maintenance section there is a link to a write up and a write up that I found helpful to read before I did this......actually I read them several times, but I'm not too swift on most of this stuff!

Word of advice, after this you may well see the benefits of the screen over the air intake, also at the manit. section @ the net reg!


Tom

[bobbyhi]

Thanks for all of the good advice. Really came in handy today. Got the shroud off, all the hoses off, radiator out, new serpentine belt in. Just waiting now for the new Samco hoses and clamps. All I can say is the GM must have had guys with awfully small hands and strong as an ox to get to some of those bolts and hoses. I don't know how you guys changed the hoses without removing a bunch of "stuff". All went pretty well. I'm not looking forward to putting it back together again. Lining up all those holes and trying to get those #7 screws back in is going to be a real PITA!! 4 out the 6 should go easy once the shroud is lined up. Any hints as to lining up the holes??? A plenum pull should be easy compared tto this!!!!!!! Thanks again gentlemen

[Hammer]

Bob,

When you go to put the hoses back on, use a LITTLE dab of dielectric grease on the inside. They'll slip right on. The water pump hose would be a bear to get back on without it. I actually never got it on without the grease. You just kinda line it up on the bottom and give it a good hard shove with whatever leverage you can get (which ain't much). If you have enough grease on the end it will slip right on.

I forgot to mention the serpintine belt, good thinking there.

John

[bobbyhi]

With all the "garbage" out of the way there is room to push that hose on. I figured that I might as well replace the belt. Don't know when or if it ever was done. The hoses have been shipped and I expect that I will get them on Tuesday. Then the fun begins!!!!!!!!!!

[DaveK]

With a little spit and a lot of patience, the elephant deflowered the flea...



Congratulations Bob, hope the refit goes well

[cuisinartvette]

Wouldnt tighten all the clamps til your thermostat housing is back in also, you may have to move that a slight amount to get the bolts started.

[bobbyhi]

Originally Posted by cuisinartvette

Wouldnt tighten all the clamps til your thermostat housing is back in also, you may have to move that a slight amount to get the bolts started.

Ron - thanks for the tip. Sure makes sense!! How did you make out with the power key? PM me if you still need the part.

[bobbyhi]

Originally Posted by Hammer

Bob,

When you go to put the hoses back on, use a LITTLE dab of dielectric grease on the inside. They'll slip right on. The water pump hose would be a bear to get back on without it. I actually never got it on without the grease. You just kinda line it up on the bottom and give it a good hard shove with whatever leverage you can get (which ain't much). If you have enough grease on the end it will slip right on.

I forgot to mention the serpintine belt, good thinking there.

John

John - you mentioned to use a "LITTLE" dab of grease. What would happen if you used too much grease?? And what would too much be??