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Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 22:58:15

Title: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 22:58:15
Omega B Caravan MV6 3.0 - Radiator Replacing Operation

Hi all, I wonder if someone can help me on this one. I need to change my old radiator from my 1998 omega which has the incoming plastic tube completely broken. Anyway, my main worries are the speed box cooling tubes attached to the old radiator and the aircon...

Should I prepare some kind of plug to seal the oil tubes?
Will I have to refill the gearbox level after replacement?
Is there any chance of gearbox damage when replacing the radiator?
What about the aircon radiator, is there any particular care?

Help needed...

Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: RobG on 29 April 2011, 23:02:40
Quote
Omega B Caravan MV6 3.0 - Radiator Replacing Operation

Hi all, I wonder if someone can help me on this one. I need to change my old radiator from my 1998 omega which has the incoming plastic tube completely broken. Anyway, my main worries are the speed box cooling tubes attached to the old radiator and the aircon...

Should I prepare some kind of plug to seal the oil tubes? Yep
Will I have to refill the gearbox level after replacement? Nope
Is there any chance of gearbox damage when replacing the radiator? Nope
What about the aircon radiator, is there any particular care? Yep
Help needed...

Oil cooler pipes.......you`ll only lose a slight amount......when disconnected wrap a plastic bag or similar round each and secure with a cable tie or similar.
A/C condenser.........just take your time when lifting the radiator out
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 29 April 2011, 23:06:25
Quote
Omega B Caravan MV6 3.0 - Radiator Replacing Operation

Hi all, I wonder if someone can help me on this one. I need to change my old radiator from my 1998 omega which has the incoming plastic tube completely broken. Anyway, my main worries are the speed box cooling tubes attached to the old radiator and the aircon...

Should I prepare some kind of plug to seal the oil tubes?
Will I have to refill the gearbox level after replacement?
Is there any chance of gearbox damage when replacing the radiator?
What about the aircon radiator, is there any particular care?

Help needed...


Just remove the hollow bolts from the 'banjo' fittings on the gearbox oil cooler pipes. Be careful you don't lose the copper washers (2 on each pipe) but you'll only lose a small amount of oil and so won't damage your gearbox at all.  :y
You won't need to do anything with your air conditioning radiator (condenser) because it lives in front of the main engine radiator.  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:08:38
Is there any problem if air enters the oil circuit?
What cares should I take with the aircon?
Is there anything in particular like an hidden screw or something?
Should I take the air inlet or no need for that?
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: RobG on 29 April 2011, 23:12:42
Quote
Is there any problem if air enters the oil circuit?
What cares should I take with the aircon?
Is there anything in particular like an hidden screw or something?
Should I take the air inlet or no need for that?
Air intake is negligible.
Just make sure you don`t damage A/C condenser when removing rad.
No hidden screws, 3 electrical connectors on passenger side of radiator, two 8 or 10mm bolts either end of top of rad + the two inverted "U" spring clips on top corners.
No need to remove the "air inlet" (bagpipes)
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:14:42
I'm looking for a new radiator... those with plastic covers are really fragile, in particularly the plastic tubes! What is your opinion about it?
Anyway, when refitting the hoses can I apply any contact glue between the hose and the tube?
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 29 April 2011, 23:16:23
Quote
Is there any problem if air enters the oil circuit?

No. The gearbox isn't completely full of oil/ATF and any way there's a breather on top of the gearbox.


Quote
What cares should I take with the aircon?
You don't need to do anything with the condenser if you are just replacing the main radiator.

Quote
Is there anything in particular like an hidden screw or something?
Not really.  :-/

Quote
Should I take the air inlet or no need for that?
I take it you mean all the induction pipes :-/ If so ..... Definitely!  :y :y
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 29 April 2011, 23:17:57
Quote
....
No need to remove the "air inlet" (bagpipes)

I disagree. you'll not get the new rad in passed the bagpipes if still fitted.  ;)
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:18:58
What about the fans? Is there any proper way to deal with it?
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: RobG on 29 April 2011, 23:19:09
Quote
I'm looking for a new radiator... those with plastic covers are really fragile, in particularly the plastic tubes! What is your opinion about it?
Anyway, when refitting the hoses can I apply any contact glue between the hose and the tube?
Replacement radiator will also have the plastic sides, not ideal but that`s the way they`re designed. No contact adhesive necessary on the hoses or spigots. If you did that how would you remove them if one of them split. Decent pipe clips are more than adequate.
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:20:30
What about the fans? Is there any proper way to deal with it?

Well it's really tight... maybe it's not a bad idea after all
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: RobG on 29 April 2011, 23:21:01
Quote
Quote
....
No need to remove the "air inlet" (bagpipes)

I disagree. you'll not get the new rad in passed the bagpipes if still fitted.  ;)
I stand corrected :-X Although I removed the rad from the breaker with the bagpipes in situ
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:26:15
What kind of clips is best? Because the last hose replaced by a mechanic costed me some extra money... the clip has stuck the hose... :(

So OK, pipe-bags will remain in place unless i can't move my BIG hands lol...
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 29 April 2011, 23:28:35
Quote
What kind of clips is best? Because the last hose replaced by a mechanic costed me some extra money... the clip has stuck the hose... :(

So OK, pipe-bags will remain in place unless i can't move my BIG hands lol...

Use the original sprung hose clips & preferably not Jubilee hose clips.
Remove the bagpipes, you'll not manage to do the job at all with them in place.
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:29:06
Thank you very much...
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: RobG on 29 April 2011, 23:30:58
The sprung hose clips are the best but you can use what we call "Jubilee" clips. Circular pipe clip with a 7mm screw head that closes the clip over a series of grooves, similar to a "worm drive"
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:31:26
Yes I totally agree with not using Jubilee hose clips
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 29 April 2011, 23:36:15
In my (bad) experience with those clips at least with the ones installed, the inside of the clip can easily cut a hose... anyway I can't tighten that much otherwise I will need a new rad... those plastic tubes are really fragile.
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 29 April 2011, 23:38:58
Quote
In my (bad) experience with those clips at least with the ones installed, the inside of the clip can easily cut a hose... anyway I can't tighten that much otherwise I will need a new rad... those plastic tubes are really fragile.

That's why you need to be very careful with Jubilee clips on plastic hoses. The advantage of the original clips is that they'll expand & contract as the plastic does.  :y
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 10:58:35
Well It seems I got another doubt...

I've been looking for a new candidate to replace the radiator at the ebay.
But the ref number doesn't match, although the vendor say it fit.

What do you think?
My ref number is:52459375
The ref equivalent from the vendor is 52463050 / 6302006

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150575625050&fromMakeTrack=true#ht_2724wt_1141
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 11:17:36
Quote
Quote
In my (bad) experience with those clips at least with the ones installed, the inside of the clip can easily cut a hose... anyway I can't tighten that much otherwise I will need a new rad... those plastic tubes are really fragile.

That's why you need to be very careful with Jubilee clips on plastic hoses. The advantage of the original clips is that they'll expand & contract as the plastic does.  :y

I couldn't agree more!
Where can I get the spring clips?
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 14:52:15
Quote
.... ....
Where can I get the spring clips?

They won't be very expensive from Opel
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 14:54:58
Quote
Well It seems I got another doubt...

I've been looking for a new candidate to replace the radiator at the ebay.
But the ref number doesn't match, although the vendor say it fit.

What do you think?
My ref number is:52459375
The ref equivalent from the vendor is 52463050 / 6302006

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150575625050&fromMakeTrack=true#ht_2724wt_1141

I can't help with the differing part numbers but it does seem as though it should fit your car ie suitable for an automatic V6  :-/
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 15:40:18
Well it seems I'll have to take the risk...
I'm thinking to reinforce the plastic tubes with an aluminium or cooper bush, this way wont break easily :) what you think about?

I will try Opel for the spring clips...
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 15:54:19
What is this:
-> Radiator With thermoswitch?
-> Switch: With double thermal switch
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 15:58:11
Quote
...
I'm thinking to reinforce the plastic tubes with an aluminium or cooper bush, this way wont break easily :) what you think about? .....

There is no need to. The standard radiator pipes will be OL as they are.  ;)
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 15:59:50
Quote
What's Radiator With thermoswitch?

Where have you seen this?

I think it'll mean the switches screwed into the side of the radiator that turns your radiator fans on or off ..... thermo = heat  :y
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 16:02:19
In here http://seekpart24.com/opel/omega-b-estate-21-22-23-94/3-0-v6-8/radiator-100103
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 16:06:09
and this one:
->With double thermocontact

This is getting very confusing...
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 16:11:41
Quote
In here http://seekpart24.com/opel/omega-b-estate-21-22-23-94/3-0-v6-8/radiator-100103

As I thought it's for the switches in the end of the radiator that turn the fans on/off for both engine cooling & also the fan for the air con.
The description is not very clear, but I would think that it's saying that there is room for two thermostatic switches - which is what you need for you car.
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 16:14:55
Quote
and this one:
->With double thermocontact

And what about this?
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 16:19:34
Quote
Quote
In here http://seekpart24.com/opel/omega-b-estate-21-22-23-94/3-0-v6-8/radiator-100103

As I thought it's for the switches in the end of the radiator that turn the fans on/off for both engine cooling & also the fan for the air con.
The description is not very clear, but I would think that it's saying that there is room for two thermostatic switches - which is what you need for you car.

Well I thought I just had to match:
->Transmission Type: For automatic transmission
->Vehicle Equipment: For vehicles with air conditioning
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 16:21:54
Quote
Quote
and this one:
->With double thermocontact

And what about this?

I saw that  :-/ ..... I thinks it's lost something in the translation  :-/
I think it's trying to say two ie double thermostatic switches ..... a switch could maybe also be called contacts
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 16:23:43
Quote
....
Well I thought I just had to match:
->Transmission Type: For automatic transmission
->Vehicle Equipment: For vehicles with air conditioning

Correct. An auto needs the cooler in the side (your passenger side) of the rad. A car with air con needs to be fitted with two thermostatic switches.  :y
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 30 April 2011, 16:46:36
So what's the difference between the extra expensive and the most affordable radiators? Besides the obvious...
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: Andy B on 30 April 2011, 17:50:28
Quote
So what's the difference between the extra expensive and the most affordable radiators? Besides the obvious...

I really don't know  :-/ Maybe you should email them  :-/
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: RobG on 30 April 2011, 17:53:24
Quote
So what's the difference between the extra expensive and the most affordable radiators? Besides the obvious...
Different manufacturer = different prices. You`re dealing with the distributor :)
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: MutantCav on 30 April 2011, 18:01:32
What about a second hand radiator?? I have one here in very good condition from a 99 elite 3.0v6 with climate...would it be a direct replacement?? Certainly cheaper plus genuine part :y Just a thought

Edit...although just noticed its an Opel...where are you based?
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 01 May 2011, 11:39:14
I don't know,  never installed second hand stuff in my car...
Yes it's a direct replace :)
I'm in Portugal!
Anyway thank you very much for the proposal.
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 02 May 2011, 13:37:40
It's a really difficult job... I've been through a hell just to extract the old one! Many vacuum hoses, and sensor wires :) Till now I had to extract the air filter enclosure the intake pipe bags the battery! I believe that the fan should be left with the radiator and then when taken it's easier to reassemble in the new radiator. I will keep this update :) Cheers. :D
Title: Re: Change broken radiator?
Post by: fcc-pt on 06 December 2011, 10:48:10
Ok, so mission accomplished! The radiator has been placed without any further problems. Unless I don't consider a small leak :) lol .

Both temperature sensor and fan switch are leaking a bit when under pressure.
How can I seal those leaks? Thank you guys.

I just want to advise all the guys that are in the same boat as I was about a small issue that might come along... when place the automatic gearbox tubes don't forget to place them with a small copper washer, and continue to tighten until it stops leaking otherwise oil pressure will leak for sure till there's no oil in the gearbox.

After tighten the screws, start the engine and get over the radiator and check for oil leaks, if it's leaking than you might have to tighten the screws a little more. It's not an easy job for a noob.

Cheers...