Aluminum radiator install Write-Up (long)

[lightblade]

Didn't come with vehicle specific instructions so here ya go. My instructions lol.
Mishimoto 52mm dual core aluminum radiator.

Tools I used: All kinds of plyers, flat-tip screwdriver, 8,10mm sockets, wrench 4 inch extension, 8mm racheting wrench, 2 hands, and elbow grease. Oh and a drain pan for the coolant.

First off, disconnect negative battery terminal. Jacked up the front end and set her on jackstands.

Remove interference(intake, radiator cover, platic cover underneath bumper)

6 plastic screws hold on the radiator cover, I used a flattip screwdriver to lift up and pull them out

Remove the plastic guard under the radiator I used plyers to remove these little bolt/screws

Next I drained the coolant, I used an allen wrench to remove the drain plug or "pet ****"

Crack open the coolant cap on the resevoir to act as a vent and adjust the drain rate

Squeeze the coolant hoses to drain excess coolant

Remove the samll hose going from the top of the radiator the coolant resevoir tank

Remove the power steering fluid and coolant tanks, from the fan shroud

Remove the upper/large coolant hose, I used plyers and a screwdrive to remove the clamps

Tuck the hose out of the way.

Disconnect the fan power cable

Remove the lower/large coolant hose from the radiator

There are 2 plates on top that hold the radiator in place, remove the 4 bolts to take these off.

There are 2 bolts on each side at the bottom of the radiator, remove them

Its almost out, 2 more bolts on the top foward of the radiator, i used a racheting wrench for these

Now the radiator is completely unbolted, pull her out, becareful not to damge anything.

 

[lightblade]

Aluminum rad install part 2

The Old Radiator

Remove the fan shroud, just 2 bolts on each side

A side by side comparison:

Install the fan shroud assembly to the new radiator with the same 2 bolts

Now lower the new radiator in, careful not mess it up!

The radiator rests in the same holes at the bottom, make sure you snag the rubber grommets off the old radiator frist

Aslo remove the 2 screw studs from the old radiator and but them on the bottom of the new rad

Reinstall the top mounting plates

Reconnect coolant hoses

Connect the fan power cable

Reinstall the coolant/power steering fluid tanks on the fan shroud

Reinstall the interference

Fill her back up with coolant and check for leaks, note you will have to add more coolant as the new radiator has a larger capacity

ALL DONE!!!

 

[tank_567]

nice!

 

[tank_567]

TOO MANY PICS LOL

 

[tank_567]

I think I'm going to get one now!

 

[kooldawg6]

emove the brake fluid and coolant tanks, from the fan shroud

That is the power steering not brake fluid reservoir.

 

[kooldawg6]

Even the radiator company name is color coordinated with your ride.

 

[bigcat]

nice write up.

you did not mention how to burp the cooling system to remove the excess air. how did you do it? i am sure many will like to know.

i also merged the two threads so it all makes sense in a few weeks when the threads separate in the list, and for future searches.

 

[lightblade]

oops, thanks lol

 

[lightblade]

Even the radiator company name is color coordinated with your ride.

LOl, you are right, indeed it is.

 

[lightblade]

nice write up.

you did not mention how to burp the cooling system to remove the excess air. how did you do it? i am sure many will like to know.

i also merged the two threads so it all makes sense in a few weeks when the threads separate in the list, and for future searches.

Thanks bigcat for merging them, "Burping the system" when I added the coolant back wasn't very hard, you will get alot of air out as you fill it up, just watch for the the bubbles and add more coolant as the air comes out. After it stopped bubbling on its own i squeezed the coolant hoses to get alittle more air out, then I turned the car on let it run for a few minutes, turned it off(this pressurizes the system) Then i just opened the cooalnt cap, and let the air out, and the coolant level went down an inch, so i filled it back up, i did this 2 more times. Then took her out for a drive and had to add a little more coolant/water, and that was it. Coolant level is steady now and the the excess air is out, really simple.