hey all...need some help w/ "how to" type info on changing my radiator. If anyone can help me out, I'd really appreciate it. steps i need to follow would be great but any info will be of help. I already have the rad, upper and lower hoses, and a new thermo..just need instructions on how to install this ****. thanks..peace

 

it is all pretty self explanitory, remove the uper and lower radiator hoses; take the radiator bolts off the top, unplug the fans and pull it out.

replace in the reverse order.

the thermostat is alittle tricky, i just did that last week...actually it is hard as a b*tch to reach it. but there was a thread on this lik 2 days ago...there are pitcures too. b series.net or something like that.

replaceing your coolant has a little procedure also, you have to kind bleed the coolant like you would your brakes/clutch kinda. but if you search, you'll find your answers in pictures and what not.

 

don't forget to drain and dispose of the fluids.

last thing you want is radiator fluid spilling all over your driveway and your dog to come and lick it up

one trick to filling your system back up without too much air getting stuck (at least not enough to keep the thermostat from opening), do not tighten your thermostat housing 100%. when you fill the radiator take it slowly once you get towards the top and watch the thermostat area, when you see some fluid drip out, tighten it up. fill the radiator the rest of the way.

now, WITH THE RADIATOR CAP OFF, turn on the car, let it run, paying close attention to the coolant temp, let it warm up, and verify that the thermo is working (you will see the temp go up, then it should go back down). after that, turn off the car and go fill the radiator back to the top (the fluid will have displaced the air pockets) and put the cap on.

you should be good to go at this point.

the thermostat is very tricky, if you have too much air stuck, it will not open, the air pressure will not be enough to open the thermo, and all that will happen is coolant will begin to boil in your head, and you will overheat. but a small pocket or two of air will not affect the system adversely, just watch and make sure that the system is working before you go off to the races.

 

all this is true. I have a prestone radiator flush kit on my car, and it does the same thing. no air pokets, and easier to flush, here in VA, you have to change your fluid all seasons. (well not have too, but i do it to make sure)