Radiator: Service and Repair
RADIATORREMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK PLUG OR THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.
2. Drain the cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator upper hose from the radiator.
4. Disconnect the radiator fan motor electrical connector.
5. Remove the radiator fan assembly.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed from the rolled-groove type fittings at the cooler and transaxle, damage to the inner wall of hose will occur. To prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses and clamps must be replaced.
6. Disconnect and cap automatic transmission hoses (if equipped) (Fig. 13).
7. Remove the radiator lower hose.
8. Remove radiator upper isolator bracket mounting screws (Fig. 14). Disconnect the engine block heater wire (if equipped).
9. Remove the A/C condenser attaching screws located at the front of the radiator (if equipped) (Fig. 15), then lean condenser forward.
NOTE: It is not necessary to discharge the air conditioning system to remove the radiator.
10. Radiator can now be lifted free from engine compartment. Care should be taken not to damage radiator cooling fins or water tubes during removal.
CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat transfer. The radiator and air conditioning fins should be cleaned when an accumulation of debris has occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radiator to flush the radiator and/or A/C condenser of debris.
INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator tanks for cracks, broken or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leakage and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged cooling tubes.
INSTALLATION
1. Install radiator into position behind the radiator support (yoke).
2. Attach A/C condenser to radiator (if equipped) (Fig. 15), with four mounting screws. Tighten screws to 7.2 Nm (65 inch lbs.). Then seat the radiator assembly lower rubber isolators into the mounting holes provided in the lower crossmember.
3. Install and tighten radiator isolator mounting bracket screws to 10 Nm (90 inch lbs.) (Fig. 14). The radiator should have clearance to move up, approximately 5 - 8 mm (0.20 - 0.31 inch) after assembled.
4. Install the radiator lower hose. Align the hose and position the clamp to prevent interference with engine components.
NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed from the rolled-groove type fittings at the cooler and transaxle, damage to the inner wall of hose will occur. To prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses and clamps must be replaced.
5. Replace automatic transmission hoses and clamps (if equipped) (Fig. 13).
6. Install radiator fan assembly.
7. Connect the radiator fan motor electrical connector.
8. Install the radiator upper hose. Align the hose and position the clamp to prevent interference with the engine or the hood.
9. Connect negative cable to battery.
10. Fill cooling system with coolant.
11. Operate engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check cooling system and automatic transmission for correct fluid levels.