Radiator replacemment - How difficult?

330 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by not_so_furious, Jul 16, 2003

not_so_furious

Discussion Starter · Jul 14, 2003

I need to replace the radiator on my '91 GTI 16v and I'm wondering how difficult it is to do. I called around to get some prices, and I'd rather save myself the money if it's not too difficult.

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Re: Radiator replacemment - How difficult? (not_so_furious)

i dont know about with big bumpers , but with small bumpers it was cake.
drain the coolant ,remove the grille, unbolt about (9) 10mm bolts to remove the radiator support, you dont need to unbolt the two top radiator mounts if you dont want to, they just slide right out of the radiator. disconnect hoses/headlight harnesses, take the grille/radiator support/headlight assembly out. unbolt the radiator from the condenser, then unbolt it from the fan unless you are getting a new fan too. its pretty simple. there is a bolt kinda hidden front center down by the bottom of the car that holds the radiator support on.

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not_so_furious

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 15, 2003

Re: Radiator replacemment - How difficult? (Coupe_88)

Anyone else? I took off my front bumpber last night to aid in possible clearance issues.

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JF

· #4 · Jul 15, 2003

Re: Radiator replacemment - How difficult? (not_so_furious)

Hi there, no need to rtemove the bumper...Like he said...DId it without a Bentley, easy easy easy !
Cheers
JF

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CD0710

· #5 · Jul 15, 2003

Re: Radiator replacemment - How difficult? (JF)

very easy....try it, nothing like learning with hands on....maybe instead put in an A3 dual fan shroud, or a lightweight A1 radiator setup....

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GTIdaho

· #6 · Jul 15, 2003

Re: Radiator replacemment - How difficult? (not_so_furious)

Do yourself a favor too and replace the radiator fan switch while you have the radiator out... If you have never replaced it it is always a good idea. They do go bad eventually especially if you live somewhere hot and do a lot of city driving.

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not_so_furious

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 16, 2003

Re: Radiator replacemment - How difficult? (JF)

Quote, originally posted by JF »

Hi there, no need to rtemove the bumper...Like he said...DId it without a Bentley, easy easy easy !

I wanted some easier access to some other stuff too, so remiving the bumper made sense. Plus, that darn clip that hold the big bumper up is broken, and I'm hoping to replace it.

Quote, originally posted by GTIdaho »

Do yourself a favor too and replace the radiator fan switch while you have the radiator out... If you have never replaced it it is always a good idea. They do go bad eventually especially if you live somewhere hot and do a lot of city driving.

I got a new thermostat and fan switch a few years ago, so hopefully it'll stay working until I get my R32.

The parts should arrive Friday. So hopefully Saturday morning I'll have a new radiator installed.

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