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[Dingleberry]

I had a look in the help area and i could find anything with regards to radiator removal

Any tips ?

[Darth Loo-knee]

You could do with up dating your profile so we know what car you have mate

If you have a V6, take off the plastic covers across the top. remove the two small bolts that hold the radiator to the air con condensor. Remove the two clips from the top of the radiator (spring loaded clips). Think there is 5 electric connectors to pull out. Unclip the secondary inlet pipe. Unclip the top hose near the battery. Bottom hose the opposite side. Undo 2 gearbox oil cooler pipe bolts (19mm Spanner). Then should pull up with a little wiggling

[powerslinky]

Ok  now forced to try &  replace radiator ( bodge temporary repair has failed) 

i want to take it out and take it to the suppliers in the coming week to make sure the new one is correct 

So  . . just ran through Looneys guide as above in this thread  . . . seems simple enough
BUT . . . on my 2.6   on drivers side it seems the 2 ATF cooler pipes loop over the top of the coolant rad & then drop down to the ATF cooler. Does this have to be disconnected with the 1 torx bolt to allow the coolant rad to be lifted up & out ? 

If it has to be disconnected what amount of ATF fluid loss are we looking at ? 

Last question for the moment  . . . it it easier to disconnect all the coolant rubber pipes while rad is still fixed in position?     TIA    Al

Oops ! done something wrong here  . . . it has added to Dingleberrys thread not my own on rad removal  . . . but same questions apply

[Boatboy]

Watching with interest as just about to do the same and likewise shoving a bit of epoxy around the crack with a lolly stick was a waste of time. And epoxy. Leak was nearside upper mount for fan assembly.

DLK guide refers to PFL rad with integral ATF cooler. Enough TLA's there?

Interested to know where best to split the atf pipes.

Do the bagpipes need to come out to free the rad from its many connections?

Already taken the plunge and ordered from car cooling UK.

Steve

[Doctor Gollum]

Undo the single torx and follow the rest of the guide...

Keep the gearbox pipes upright to one side and keep the radiator and oil cooler vertical and separate them as such... If you keep the oil cooler vertical you lose next to no fluid. Watch out for the sealing rings when you separate the block

[powerslinky]

Thanks Doc . . . But am I right in thinking that on my 2.6 the ATF & air con rads are in front of the coolant rad though & will stay in situ ?
 Removal on hold until tomorrow now though  . . SWMBO moaning  . . . "nice day & your'e stuck under that car  . . again . .moan   moan etc. " .   I'm getting to dislike women 

[Bigron]

 "I'm getting to dislike women"
Before I got married, an older chap said to me "Look at the mother, Ron, if you want to know what they will turn into...."
By god, he was right!
More seriously, Al, I am also watching with interest because I've finally given in, left bodging behind and ordered a radiator - thw one I linked to a few weeks back.
I'm still wary of doing the job and may seek help when I mess it up - there must be experts near me who know what they are doing!

Ron.

[Doctor Gollum]

Thanks Doc . . . But am I right in thinking that on my 2.6 the ATF & air con rads are in front of the coolant rad though & will stay in situ ?
 Removal on hold until tomorrow now though  . . SWMBO moaning  . . . "nice day & your'e stuck under that car  . . again . .moan   moan etc. " .   I'm getting to dislike women 

Cooler and condenser both bolted to radiator... Cooler has 4 bolts, and comes out attached,  condenser had 2 bolts at top and 2 prongs at base... Needs unbolting prior to rad removal

[Nick W]

Last question for the moment  . . . is it easier to disconnect all the coolant rubber pipes while rad is still fixed in position?     TIA    Al

Yes, it is. They've been there for about 15 years, and often take some persuasion to remove. Which is much easier to apply if you don't have to hold the radiator at the same time.

[amba]

Wide jawed pipe wrench to wiggle the rubber hose first as that will loosen the seal that the years inplace have caused.

Just pulling them doesn't really work too well

[Bigron]

I think MY bodge was more severe than Big Al's ;-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j7otjqflv85d086/Radiator%20repair%201.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vduzvakp0tg7bif/Radiator%20repair%202.JPG?dl=0

That's why I think I will need a new top hose, but Ebay doesn't have one, nor Vx - can anybody help, please?

Ron.

[amba]

Crickey Ron...that's some bodge mate 

[Bigron]

Yes, I know - I've been fixing and re-fixing that **** leak for ages and have given in to the inevitable and ordered a new radiator. I'll never make the journey to Serek's with my leak..... 

Ron.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

I think MY bodge was more severe than Big Al's ;-
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j7otjqflv85d086/Radiator%20repair%201.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vduzvakp0tg7bif/Radiator%20repair%202.JPG?dl=0

That's why I think I will need a new top hose, but Ebay doesn't have one, nor Vx - can anybody help, please?

Ron.

I may have a spare top hose buried among my spares Ron.Will try and have a look tomorrow when Ive finished my run of nights.

[Bigron]

Wow, that would be great, Albs, thank you. All expenses met, of course. 

Ron.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Ive actually just been out and had a rummage and your in luck Ron. I found one. Don't want anything for it, but if you can keep an eye out for one on here or elsewhere, at your leisure, then it would mean I still have a spare in case I need one.
Its now in the boot of my car and I'm working tonight, so if you want to intercept me on the way to work (will be around Witham at 7pm) or come and collect from me at work a bit later this evening, your all sorted. 

[powerslinky]

Ive actually just been out and had a rummage and your in luck Ron. I found one. Don't want anything for it, but if you can keep an eye out for one on here or elsewhere, at your leisure, then it would mean I still have a spare in case I need one.
Its now in the boot of my car and I'm working tonight, so if you want to intercept me on the way to work (will be around Witham at 7pm) or come and collect from me at work a bit later this evening, your all sorted. 

Don't you just love him Ron  . . .Diamond Geez  that Albs MigV6      Oof at it's best again 

[cam.in.head]

Thanks Doc . . . But am I right in thinking that on my 2.6 the ATF & air con rads are in front of the coolant rad though & will stay in situ ?
 Removal on hold until tomorrow now though  . . SWMBO moaning  . . . "nice day & your'e stuck under that car  . . again . .moan   moan etc. " .   I'm getting to dislike women 

Thats what nice days are for ! . Best way to remove stress in my opinion. And rainy days are for indoor jobs

[Bigron]

"Don't you just love him Ron  . . .Diamond Geez  that Albs MigV6      Oof at it's best again"

Yes, a magnificent gesture from one of nature's best - thanks Albs.
As you said, one more problem (amongst many!) sorted.

Replacing the radiator still frightens me and the very thought of replacing the wishbones in my frail state sends me running (well, hobbling!) to Marks and Spencers.....

Ron.

[TheBoy]

Rad is more fiddly than hard.

You won't lose enough ATF to get worried over

[Boatboy]

Had a message from a neighbour to say he's accepted a rad shaped package so tomorrow could be the day. I've already drilled out the rusted solid top cover bolts, how hard can the rest be

Must remember not to mulla the top hose as it seems they're rare

Steve

[Bigron]

I'm definitely interested in hearing how you get on with the radiator, Boatboy; my new radiator is promised for the weekend!

Ron.

[Boatboy]

I'm definitely interested in hearing how you get on with the radiator, Boatboy; my new radiator is promised for the weekend!

Ron.

Well I'm only just up due to a later than intended finish last night. Opened the  box and it looks ok though as I expected with the 'one size fits all' description,  it has integral atf cooler. Have to find a way to close those off. Wish me luck, I'm going in. Or out.

steve

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

If your not using the integral cooler, just ignore it. 

[Boatboy]

Well its changed, but...

The biggest obstacle was the connector to the lower temp sensor. Sods law dictated that when it was tightened the retaining lug on the sensor body was directly inline with the hose for the aux cooling pump and I couldn't get anything in there to unlatch it. Ended up removing the bagpipes and fan assy in situ before removing the rad.

Now to the but..

I have a leak. Dripping from the offside lower locating lug. Cant see any sign of it any higher up. No time to investigate further today so it will have to stay put for now.

Steve

[Bigron]

Sod's Law has a Rider - any "5 minute job" will be sure to take at least 2 hours! 

Ron.

[Nick W]

Sod's Law has a Rider - any "5 minute job" will be sure to take at least 2 hours! 

Ron.

We've just taken nearly two hours to get a fuel pump in place on a Lycoming. It's only two bolts FFS

[BazaJT]

Reading this has made me think of changing rad on mine when I eventually get in there to do the oil cooler etc. as I was going to change the two thermoswitches anyway,so may as well go the whole hog.Looking around prices vary wildly[as expected]but some say they are for air con cars while others say they're for non air con cars,so what's the difference between the two?

[Bigron]

I've ordered and am awaiting delivery of this one:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132213753239

and EssexBigAl has opted for this one as he can inspect it at the vendors whilst working:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2-5-2-6-3-0-3-2-1994-2003-MANUAL-AUTO-NEW-RADIATOR/112275075467?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

They don't look a lot different to me, apart from price; I'll let you know when I get mine.

Ron.

[Boatboy]

Reading this has made me think of changing rad on mine when I eventually get in there to do the oil cooler etc. as I was going to change the two thermoswitches anyway,so may as well go the whole hog.Looking around prices vary wildly[as expected]but some say they are for air con cars while others say they're for non air con cars,so what's the difference between the two?

I cant say for certain what the differences are, but having spent a couple of afternoons at the sharp end I can say that a rad for an air con car must have two mounting ears at the top for the condenser bracket and probably needs the cut away section on the nearside tank to allow space for the a/c pipes.

Other than that I cant see any other involvement.

the one i bought is  https://www.carcooling.co.uk/radiator-vauxhall-omega-b-2597-cc-2000-03-08/00-08/03-2.6-i-24v.-man/auto-vehicles-with-or-without-a/c-653-460-28mm-kz-dg-12ol45   
Seems to be a one size fits all, so In my case it has a redundant atf heat exchanger.

[Boatboy]

Sod's Law has a Rider - any "5 minute job" will be sure to take at least 2 hours! 

Ron.

Now 2 afternoons and counting. I found the leak by jacking the rad up c20mm and running up to temp again. It is seeping around the base of the offside locating spigot, which probably took a knock due to not being properly protected for transit.

Courier due tomorrow to do a swap. Thats saturday afternoon as well then.

There are times a nice base model Focus looks tempting.

[Bigron]

There are times a nice base model Focus looks tempting.

You cannot be serious! 

Ron.

P.S. I've staeted the drain and refill process, after finding the drain tap - hard to see the red when it's covered in Sh....
Lots of dirty water coloured with UV tracer dye cam out, but not much K-Seal - until after several radiator flushes I ran it up to temperature and when the expansion tank overflowed (cap off), there it was!
The battle will continue tomorrow.

[powerslinky]

Sod's Law has a Rider - any "5 minute job" will be sure to take at least 2 hours! 

Ron.

Now 2 afternoons and counting. I found the leak by jacking the rad up c20mm and running up to temp again. It is seeping around the base of the offside locating spigot, which probably took a knock due to not being properly protected for transit.

Courier due tomorrow to do a swap. Thats saturday afternoon as well then.

There are times a nice base model Focus looks tempting.

Which is one reason why I am keen to go & collect my replacement

[Boatboy]

Sod's Law has a Rider - any "5 minute job" will be sure to take at least 2 hours! 

Ron.

Now 2 afternoons and counting. I found the leak by jacking the rad up c20mm and running up to temp again. It is seeping around the base of the offside locating spigot, which probably took a knock due to not being properly protected for transit.

Courier due tomorrow to do a swap. Thats saturday afternoon as well then.

There are times a nice base model Focus looks tempting.

Which is one reason why I am keen to go & collect my replacement

Are you going to the actual factory to collect or does your supplier receive goods by carrier angels with kid gloves?
The crack in mine was invisible to the naked eye so take your best specs.

For my sins and Omega/beer money I often spend the evening sat at the sharp end of an artic waiting for hundreds of fragile/handle with care items to be lovingly slung in the back from either a height or distance, somtimes both, so my only surprise is how much stuff actually arrives in one piece.

Replacement arrived yesterday and slotted in today no bother apart from the wind blowing the bonnet down on my head a few times. Same supplier but different manufacturer. Better packaged (though the pegs were still vulnerable) and slightly better looking quality. This one even includes the mounting lug for the atf pipe brace. Now  just need to rummage out suitable bolt and nuts to replac the drilled out top cover fixings and I'm ready for the next challenge. Judging by the amount of wading hanging out the tailpipe it wont be long coming.


Steve

[powerslinky]

Answers to your above questions Boatboy . . .  NO   &  NO

As I pass the supplier at least twice a week while working  . . .

It just seems the logical option to me     . .

It will at least save the further "trauma" of it being slung in the back of a 40 footer (probably more than once) while on it's way to me  . . . 

Specs at the ready though . . . seeing what you have reported