On a recent trip to France, whilst stuck in heavy traffic on a very hot day, the temperature gauge went up from its normal "halfway between the C and N" to above the N, and on stopping, the water pressure was too much for the header tank pressure cap and a lot of coolant issued from the overflow tank in the n/s/f inner wing. I think it would be sensible to flush the system using Forte rad flush and then remove the radiator and get it professionally flushed or recored. Can I remove the radiator without having to depressurize the air-con, and remove the condenser in order to get the radiator to lift out? i would like to do this whilst the car is laid up for the winter and, where we live with the car on a SORN, getting to an aircon specialist legally is all but impossible, so i would like to do it myself. But only if I can leave the air-con as is and wriggle the rad out of the car. Your advice would be invaluable and much appreciated. Thank you, Michael Harcourt
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Michael. I've just taken mine out on a 76 Pre HE but that could be different. I would say remove the slam panel and see how much you an move for radiator clearance. If the air con pipes don't clear the radiator I'd say no.
I also remove dthe bonnet and grille. I didn't want to risk damaging the car lifting the radiator out .
However what foxed me with removing the radiator was the attached oil cooler at the bottom. The oil cooler pipes, one at each side of the cooler, have to be removed and I struggled with this, and kept attempting to remove the radiator with the pipes in place. That will never happen, the pipes have to be separated from the cooler.
I had a tray underneath the car for oil spillage and there was a fair bit.
I'm doing a lot to my car though so didn't mind sacrificing the air con. Also I'm replacing ALL the hoses, fuel pipes, consumables, and cleaning and reconditioning everything in the engine bay.
You won't believe the access you have when the radiator is out.
Malc
Amendment for less hassle. Just found out the cooler and cooler pipes can stay in place and the radiator can be separated by acessing two bolts through holes under the rad support panel. If only I had known that when I was removing mine. It took me forever!
Hi Malcolm, Thanks ever so much for taking the trouble to reply. I might well have a go after what you have said, but not 100% confident I would be successful given my skill level. I might well chicken out and get my local Jagphile garage to sort the problem. Food for thought and not totally decided yet! But thanks.