messysc

Now all I have to do is put it in, where specifically are the drain plugs?

I know I have to remove the fan but do I have to mess with the fan fluid? I hope not...

After I drain the fluid and put in the new radiator, can I just fill it with my red crap and water and i'm ready to go?

Is there a step by step instructional out there anywhere?

CmputerWiz

Theres a drain screw on the radiator, on the bottom, drivers side. Although, to drain mine, I pulled the main coolant hoses off, and let the fluid run out that way....went MUCH faster. Remove the radiator cap to make it flow quicker...so it's not fighting a vacuum to leak out.

I just added rad fluid and water when it got to that part...but these are the only parts I can help ya with!

SR

messysc

Will that empty all the fluid out of the system? should I run water through it to clean it out or is that a no no..

CmputerWiz

You could do that if you wanted...water won't hurt it.

I'm not sure if it empties it all out. I jacked up the back of my car after I removed hoses, and a little more fluid ran out of the block. Personally I think that's good enough to change the fluid. It WOULD be nice to have a pressure thing to force cleaner thru it...like the dealerships do.

SR

messysc

Yes, that would be nice but I am guessing like you that that extra amount left in there won't really matter all that much.
Are you familiar with installing a thermostat?

CmputerWiz

Sorry...but no. I haven't switched it out yet on this car...

SR

VQT

1) Are you putting the new radiator in?
2) Yes, you have to mess with the fan fluid. Just have to refill it with dextron II or III trans. fluid. It is a good idea to replace with fresh fluid any way.
3) The manual says there are three drain plugs. One at the bottom of the radiator driver side. The other two are at the engine block one on the left side (driver side) and the other near the filler plug. I can't find the other two plugs at all when I cahnge my rad. fluid.

If you want to make sure you got all new fluid, you need to drain, fill up, drain, a few times with the engine at operating temp. each time you fill the rad up. When the fluid came out become nearly clear then you can put your red stuff in.
Since the red stuff is design to have less corrosion on aluminum radiator, you need to use distilled water when you change the fluid. Mix half distilled water with the anifreeze.
Fill at the filler plug until full, tight the nut. Fill the pastic reservoir until full. Start engine, turn heater on full. Check the level at the filler plug again after the engine is cool. DO NOT CHECK WHEN ENGINE STILL HOT

Good luck

messysc

Yes, I am going to put in in myself.
When I am flushing it out until the water is clear, I can use reg water right?
Where is the filler plug?
And lastly, where is the thermostat?

VQT

I prefer distilled water even when you flush. That way I know the water has no ion in it.

The thermostat and the filler plug is right at the end of the top hose. Take two nut out, clean the thermostat housing, no gasket needed when put back. take the thermostat out, replace with new one and new thermostat gasket. Be careful don't tight it too much because it all aluminum. If it leak after driving, tight a little more. This way you don't break anything

messysc

I installed the radiator saturday and all went well. It really wasn't that difficult at all. I just want to thank you guys for all of the info you gave me.