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[alan87]

I finally bought a new radiator from Paddocks with their 10% off deal and it arrived the other day.  So planning to do the swap at the weekend.
The new one is the same type as the one that's on (after-market part with SIII hose sizes so I think the top and bottom hoses can remain) and all the nuts and bolts holding it are fairly new BZP with spring washers. 

Another factor is the non standard fan setup, no fan on the water pump so access to remove/replace the rad should be fine (no cowlings either) but I have a Kenlowe fan in front of the radiator so I think some the bolts/nuts will be tricky to reach from the front grille side.
Probably not a 10 minute job given how inaccessible some of the bolts are.

Any thoughts on how long it should take? Or tips on how not to end up with lots of spanner rash!
Cheers
     Alan

[Gertie]

Sounds like a relaxed couple of hours including toping up the rad and running up to temp.  So in the best traditions of such jobs allow at least 6 hours and hope to be finished in 4!    Enjoy the nut plate on the left of the radiator (viewed from the driver side).

And don't forget to top up the first aid kit first with plasters and book cups of tea on the hour with anyone willing to bring them to you. 

Paul

[Peter Holden]

I never like to estimate how long a job will take, my wife always asks.  I like to start a job in the morning so that if it goes well there is the rest of the day and if things go wrong or slower than expected then I have all day.

Peter

[alan87]

Good points Peter and Paul.
I’m hoping to start 9ish Saturday and be finished for lunch but as you say.......
I guess there’s nowhere to go so if I can avoid other chores technically I have all weekend!
I can’t remember if I used nut plates or just nuts and bolts when I put it together. But I’m sure I put it together before fitting the wings and the fan but I really don’t want to take all that off again 😬
Cheers
       Alan

[genocache]

2 beers 

[Genem]

Its when the bolt that plays up is "special" that it starts to really take time.....recent example - doing the relatively simple job of "discs and pads" on my youngest lads Clio. 4 bolts and two retaining screws each side. A PO had over-egged the loctight, all the bolts far harder to shift than they should be.... ends with the head of one M12 fine x 32mm bolt mashed. Parts off the car, not really wanting to move it but several other jobs/vehicles queued up behind it... Part not available locally, even from a main Dealer. Ordered online from a good supplier, despatched same day...but it'll still take 2 days to get here at least. 2 hour job that turns into one that blocks my workspace for 4 days

 

So the dog gets out for a couple more walks, that loose tap gets tightened .....

 

[w3526602]

Hi,

I agree with everybody else's philosophy ... not long ... but allow a day. and start early. You never know what you have to factor into a job.

An airline pilot was doing his pre-flight checks, which included switching on the welcome announcement to the passengers.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. This is your pilot speaking. This aircraft is fully computerised,  so nothing can go wrong ... go wrong ... go wrong .... "

602

[Formerlyjeremy]

Worth changing the top and bottom hoses as they never reseal well.  Seems there's often trouble with the bottom hose to rad from the number I've seen with a second jubilee clip there.

[Betsy1969]

Good points Peter and Paul.


Only need Mary now 😀

[alan87]

Two more beers sounds like a good idea.
Should assist with the suggested early start 🍺🍺

[alan87]

At an hour in and only mildly damaged forearms I thought it was going well....

[Wittsend]

Rads are heavy old things, even empty. Helps to have an assistant (from your social bubble) hold the rad whilst you jiggle it up to the bolt holes and get the first couple of screws in place.


 

[alan87]

But the new rad has an angle in the bottom hose tube that the one I’ve taken off doesn’t...,

[alan87]

Should I just put it on and buy a new hose?

[alan87]

Good advice Alan, I need to decide if it’s harder to wake a teenager before 12:00 or struggle on my own!