Radiator Replacement

Howard Lefkowitz · 02-19-2007, 02:13 PM

Has anyone replaced their radiator in a 345 Classic? I have 1990 model. I am looking for any tricks or suggestions. i.e. remove grill, do it from the underside, jack up body, etc. Thanks

**overlander63** · 02-19-2007, 03:10 PM

It should come out from the bottom, lift up the front end and support it on jackstands before you start working on it. Unhook the shroud from it and push it back for more room, drain the radiator. A neatness tip is to unscrew the transmission cooling lines if they still go into the radiator, and plug them off with a pair of short 3/8" rubber hoses, two 3/8" bolts, and two hose clamps before proceeding further. This will keep you from doing the rest of the job with a headfull of used transmission fluid.
In some cases, you may have to unbolt the sway bar from the frame so there is enough room for the radiator to come down and out.
Once it is out, it is a lot easier to replace the belt on the engine, so think about doing this if you haven't in the last couple of years.

GlenCoombe · 02-19-2007, 03:33 PM

Howard, while you've got the radiator out give very careful thought to replacing your water pump. There's never a better time to install a high flow pump than when you can actually get to it.
So what motivates you to drop the cooler? Leaking, plugged up? Enquiring minds....

TomW · 02-19-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlenCoombe

... There's never a better time to install a high flow pump than when you can actually get to it..

Glen,

Do you have positive experience with a high flow pump? I have never been presented with that as an option. At face value, a more-pass radiator would appear to be a better improvement.

Tom

GlenCoombe · 02-19-2007, 04:04 PM

Call it overkill but both would be nice. Heat is the enemy!
Any way you look at it the pump is easily accessable while the rad is out and I'd be right in there changing it out while it was easy.

swebster · 02-24-2007, 09:45 AM

I've done it. Search for radiator removal. I took the grill off to access everything from the front.

Make sure you are carefull with the transmission cooler and engine oil cooler lines. On mine, one set was just tubing with band clamps and the other used hard line fittings. Removing is a blind operation (can't see them) and I crimped the tubing and had to have new line made (NLA from Workhorse)

I also agree on replacing the WP and anything of the other accessories while you have the radiator out. Typically the accessories are about $50 each and replacement is much easier with the front end open.

swebster · 02-24-2007, 01:08 PM

Found me original post...http://www.airforums.com/forums/55493-post35.html

Hope this helps