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[Andy663]

I'll be changing my radiator in a few weeks, can I get access from above to change it or will I need to get under the car?

[amba]

Only thing you will need access from below is the drain plug ..n/s bottom corner..everything else is quite accessable from the engine bay with bagpipes removed

[Andy663]

Thanks, are there specialist tools I'll need?

[amba]

Set of 3/8 drive torq sockets..molegrips or hose spring pliers for GM metal sprung pipe clips..screw driver..couple of assorted spanners may be useful and a bucket to drain old coolant into as poisionous for pets etc.

If your car has raditor oil cooler you would be wise either replacing or redressing the copper crush washers that seal the ATF pipes into the radiator cooler.

Quite a straight forward job 

[dbug]

Easier to remove bottom hose from radiator undeneath (near rad drain tap)

[symes]

Easier to remove bottom hose from radiator undeneath (near rad drain tap)

nope disagree mate-easier to disconnect at metal pipe end near d/side cylinder head then remove hose when rad out

[dbug]

Easier to remove bottom hose from radiator undeneath (near rad drain tap)

nope disagree mate-easier to disconnect at metal pipe end near d/side cylinder head then remove hose when rad out

Mine came off  (and went back on) dead easy from below - 10 secs to remove and same to refit   Less to drag out with rad as it comes out

[Andy H]

Easier to remove bottom hose from radiator undeneath (near rad drain tap)

nope disagree mate-easier to disconnect at metal pipe end near d/side cylinder head then remove hose when rad out

Mine came off  (and went back on) dead easy from below - 10 secs to remove and same to refit   Less to drag out with rad as it comes out

+1
Radiator end has to be disconnected anyway.
Coolant transfer pipe is hiding in amongst wiring harness and power steering gubbins. There is often corrosion on the outside of the transfer pipe that has to be removed before the hose will seal when you put it back on so I left well alone when I changed my radiator a few weeks ago.

[Andy663]

Cheers guys, I'll give it a go at the weekend. I managed to get a new rad from the bay for £50, euro car prats wanted £95… result!

[Andy663]

The new radiator was damaged in transit, the small pipe on the left hand side that goes back to the expansion tank had snapped off, I've received a full refund and the seller doesn't want the rad back. Is there a way to fix the radiator or is it beyond repair?

[Kevin Wood]

You might try a repair with some J-B Weld or similar, but ask yourself if you'll ever really trust it not to let you down?

[Entwood]

The guys who did my air con broke the same pipe and "repaired" it without telling me .. it lasted 6 days before disintegrating and losing most of the coolant into the engine bay. Luckily I was able to stop quickly and no overheating occured .. although I was "Greenflagged" home...

I wouldn't take the risk .. personally 

[TheBoy]

The new radiator was damaged in transit, the small pipe on the left hand side that goes back to the expansion tank had snapped off, I've received a full refund and the seller doesn't want the rad back. Is there a way to fix the radiator or is it beyond repair?

Not really.

[omegod]

Bit of copper pipe internally then glue the crap out of it, that said I wouldn't trust it