Tech575

I thought I had a bad upper radiator hose, but it turned out to be a crack in the upper driver's side corner of the radiator - just above that hose. Has anyone ever changed the radiator on a 951? How difficult of a procedure is this? <img border="0" alt="[crying]" title="" src="graemlins/crying.gif" />

Thanks in advance

threesticks1

I had to remove my radiator recently when I did my water pump and It wasn't all that hard. Just make sure that the car is raised up high enough to work. Maybe a couple of hours depending on what complications raise their ugly heads.

Steve Frew
'86 951 Mostly stock and all fun!

W88951

It is not difficult, but can be a pain and time consuming. I will try and outline it, but forgive me if I leave something out. After secruing the car on jack stands drain all water and coolant out of the radiator. There is a drain plug at the bottom on the drivers side. Of course all of the fluid will drain when you pull the lower radiator hose as well.

I recommend pulling the Airbox and the metal cooling lines underneath as well. After pulling all hoses attached to the radiator you should be able to unbolt and remove the Fan Assembly. It is easier to remove it seperately from the Radiator. There are two set screws at the top of the radiator, one on each end. Loosen these, and watch out for the rubber grommets underneath them, they will be reused. There are now 4 allen head bolts that hold the support rail for the radiator in place. Once you remove that support rail, the radiator will fall out. If you are replacing the radiator, I also recomend replacing the fan switch located in the radiator. Depending on your location you may want to use a lower temprature switch so that your fans turn on sooner.

If you require parts, here are links for a new radiator and the temprature switch.

<a href="http://www.944racing.com/Search/View.asp?selModelID=7&selYear=8&selCategory=0&txbDescription=rad&btnGo=S earch&hidPartType=1&hidSearchType=Main" target="_blank">http://www.944racing.com/Search/View.asp?selModelID=7&selYear=8&selCategory=0&txbDescription=rad&btnGo=S earch&hidPartType=1&hidSearchType=Main</a>

Hope this helps,

PrerYDoG

I didn't pull my metal lines, but you do have to pull the airbox in order to reach some screws at the top of the radiator (I believe holding the fan assembly onto the radiator, don't remember though). Make sure your car is up pretty high though, as the radiator will come out the bottom, and you need clearance for it, your body, and the car! Check out <a href="http://www.clarks-garage.com" target="_blank">www.clarks-garage.com</a> for a good write-up on it as well.

Tech575

Thanks guys - I appreciate it. Sounds easy enough