Mister Two had been suffering from coolant leaks and temperature problems for a while. It’s not hard to see why when you look at the condition of the radiator and the original hoses. The radiator looks like it has taken quite a beating, with most of it missing – likely the result of not having any protective mesh fitted behind the front bumper. So that is something I would rectify while changing out the radiator.
The old radiator
This radiator has definitely seen better days
Not Much Left
Most of the fins have gone resulting in less than adequate cooling and highlighting why protecting the radiator is paramount.
Close up of a broken radiator
Radiator Less
Empty Radiator Bay
This will make it much easier to get a mesh in behind the bumper
Radiator Support Brackets
The upper brackets are quite badly worn / rusted. The Rubber has perished.
Rusty Radiator Fan
The fan itself works fine, but could use a refresh
Old Coolant Hoses
Old Coolant Hoses (Engine Bay)
These are definitely past end of life! Cracked and split rubber.
Old Hose Removed
Hose removed (top Right of picture) with a bucket below to catch any potential remaining coolant.
No Coolant Hoses
Both Hoses Removed (note the open pipes at the top right)
New Radiator
Nice and Solid
New Coolant Hose
New Radiator
Drain Plug
Drain Plug
For Bleeding
Thermostat
This doesn’t come with the new radiator so has to be transferred.
Radiator Hoses
Old Hoses (top) & New Hoses (Bottom)
New Coolant Hoses Fitted
Cut to Size, these fit great and really look nice in the engine bay.
Blue Hoses
Radiator Bay
The round rubber pads that the radiator sits on are quite badly worn. But also quite expensive to replace so they have been left as is for now.
Looking Empty
New Mesh
Black Aluminium Mesh
Mesh Closeup
Cutting to size
Using my Exakt saw to cut to size
Folded at the Edges
Folded
Fitted and Tied
Cable tied to the central pillars as the cable ties will be hidden by the covers.
Front View
Cable ties visible but will be covered. Note the hole for the towing eye.
Painted Fan
Painted Fan
Painted Brackets
New Hoses Fitted
Perfect fit.
New radiator Fitted
Copper grease applied to the top of the supports to stop them bonding over time.
I’m not sure why, but I neglected to take an after shot of the new mesh fitted with the pillar covers in place, but it disappears nicely and looks nice and neatly in the grill. The new radiator and hoses hold the coolant and maintain a consistent temperature which is nice. The next time I have to do this I will go a bit further and replace those worn rubber brackets and supports as well as refreshing the paint in that area.
