Questions regarding replacing radiator
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Ventura, California
bicycle
Questions regarding replacing radiator
My radiator decided to spring a leak today while getting a smog check. I have a Behr on order from autohauz.
Anyway, it seems like a pretty straightforward installation, however I just want to be sure I do it right.
I know I need to remove the drain plug, so once the fluid is drained, is it just a matter of disconnecting all of the hoses that are attached to it and reattaching them to the new one? Are there any tricks or tips I need to be aware of?
Any help is appreciated, as I've never replaced a radiator before. If there are any DIY on it, please post the link if you have it.
One more thing, I'm going to buy some Zerex G-50 at Pepboys, but how many bottles should I get?
Anyway, it seems like a pretty straightforward installation, however I just want to be sure I do it right.
I know I need to remove the drain plug, so once the fluid is drained, is it just a matter of disconnecting all of the hoses that are attached to it and reattaching them to the new one? Are there any tricks or tips I need to be aware of?
Any help is appreciated, as I've never replaced a radiator before. If there are any DIY on it, please post the link if you have it.
One more thing, I'm going to buy some Zerex G-50 at Pepboys, but how many bottles should I get?
Last edited by CLK320skr; Jun 25, 2013 at 11:47 PM.
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From: Nebraska
99CLK320,
I would think it would be a pretty straight forward job if you are good with a wrench. Never seen a DIY on a radiator. Might as well change the thermostat while you are at it. I just look at my jug of Zerex at it was G-05.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Ventura, California
bicycle
I'm just wondering about the hoses that are connected to the engine, if I need to plug them up as they're disconnected from the radiator, etc.
I'll add the thermostat to my order, thanks for the suggestion!
I'll add the thermostat to my order, thanks for the suggestion!
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From: St Louis, MO
2000 CLK430, 2012 BMW X5 3.5d
If you are doing a mini flush at the same time - don't bother plugging the hoses just let it drain somewhere safe. Also if you can afford it I'd probably replace some of the hoses as well - upper and lower because of the age of the car. They can go at anytime and leave you stranded. Even if they appear to be in good condition - rubber ages with time not mileage. Unfortunately the cost of some of the hoses isn't cheap - upper if I remember is pretty expensive because its a joined affair with two or more branches. If one of those go and you are on the highway at speeds you can loose a ton of coolant and could warp the engine if you don't stop immediately.
Since you are ripping most of it out anyway I'd spend the extra $$ to prevent something unexpected that can really cost you or total out the car.
Since you are ripping most of it out anyway I'd spend the extra $$ to prevent something unexpected that can really cost you or total out the car.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Ventura, California
bicycle
I know it's a bit of a gamble reusing the hoses, but I'm hoping they were replaced when the car was fixed (it's a salvage vehicle - front end damage), since the radiator was definitely replaced. It's actually a Behr, so I'm surprised it's already taken a dump.
I'm just getting close to spending all I got from selling my Explorer, so I'm trying to do things that absolutely need to be done first.. though if a hose bursts, that's gonna suck.
What about the transmission cooling hoses? Do I need to do anything with them when I disconnect them?
I'm just getting close to spending all I got from selling my Explorer, so I'm trying to do things that absolutely need to be done first.. though if a hose bursts, that's gonna suck.
What about the transmission cooling hoses? Do I need to do anything with them when I disconnect them?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: North of Boston
Do our engines have a bleed screw? I know that BMWs have quite a few issues with air lock in the cooling systems if you don't bleed the air....same w/ my son's Explorer.
Just be sure that all the air is out.
A quick Google search should answer this.
Just be sure that all the air is out.
A quick Google search should answer this.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 55
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From: Ventura, California
bicycle
I saw someone mention leaving the cap off the expansion tank with the car running to allow air to escape.. haven't seen any other info on it though. Mercedes uses a special tool of course, but that's obviously out of the question.
