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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: murraymint on 15 February 2013, 18:15

Title: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 15 February 2013, 18:15
I need to change the radiator on my 16v as its pissing out coolent. My question is how easy a job is it? Do I have to disconnect the aircon rad? As I don't fancy paying to get the aircon recharged.


Cheers
Josh
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: mad4vws on 15 February 2013, 18:27
but of a job but full front has to come off .air con rad is screw to other radiator so you don't have to disconnect air-con rad .... :wink: :smiley:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 15 February 2013, 18:51
Soo the whole front has to come off but I can leave the air com rad pipes connected yh?
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Gavv8 on 15 February 2013, 19:01
Pretty sure you can do it without taking the front off the car.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: N900 MJT on 15 February 2013, 22:42
Na the front needs to some off as that's the only way to get the rads out, you will need to get the aircon regassed if you do undo it
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: hobbiniho on 16 February 2013, 16:14
Pretty sure you can do it without taking the front off the car.
nope whole front has to come off but shouldnt take much longer than 30 minutes to strip apart
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Khare on 16 February 2013, 16:30
(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/kharekatoh/golf%20mk3/20052010358.jpg)
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 16 February 2013, 17:38
Yep,  A/C condenser has to be removed im afraid therefore depressurised.  It's not difficult but those aluminium A/C pipes are extremely fragile  so be careful un tightening them.
As the system will be apart it's advisable to replace the dryer whilst you're at it before getting it regassed seeing as they're designed to absorb moisture from the lines and it'll now be open to the air .
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 16 February 2013, 18:04
Fecking aircon!!!!!! Cheers for the info.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 16 February 2013, 19:23
Fecking aircon!!!!!! Cheers for the info.

try fitting a 80mm cold air feed from the lower vent then  :laugh:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Gavv8 on 16 February 2013, 19:57
Probably costs more to re-gas the aircon than for the new rad..
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 16 February 2013, 20:01
Costs £40 near me
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 16 February 2013, 20:03
Costs £40 near me

Not bad but would rather the £40 in my pocket to save for a new car
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 16 February 2013, 20:10
What car?
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 16 February 2013, 20:19
mk5 gt tdi
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 16 February 2013, 20:21
Nothing wrong with that. as long as its 3dr
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 16 February 2013, 20:23
looking for a 5 door  :whistle:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 16 February 2013, 21:38
oh dear god lol
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 16 February 2013, 21:39
 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :whistle:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Wayne on 16 February 2013, 22:15
Get a specialist to drain the AC system first, do the radiator then get it regassed.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Gavv8 on 16 February 2013, 22:18
looking for a 5 door  :whistle:
Fu**ing traitor!!
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 17 February 2013, 00:16
Get a specialist to drain the AC system first, do the radiator then get it regassed.

Specialist??! Naa just undo it and run away!!!!!  :laugh:


looking for a 5 door  :whistle:
Fu**ing traitor!!


Still love the mk3 but 60 mpg is way better then the 25/29mpg I'm getting in the valver
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Len on 18 February 2013, 11:13
I did my radiator without disconnecting air-con rad or any air-con fixings!
And didnt take all the front of the car off either! :smug:

Pig of a job though!
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Len on 18 February 2013, 11:22
Apologies, just checked and I did take bumper and crossmember off!
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Bellend on 18 February 2013, 12:26
Apologies, just checked and I did take bumper and crossmember off!

This. I've removed one before and fitting could be done. Just fiddly.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Len on 18 February 2013, 12:32
Yea thinking back now I did have to cut out a section of a plastic flange to clear a pipe connector.
And I think I pulled the rad out the bottom, but dont quote me on that!
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 18 February 2013, 14:41
Sounds a lot easier to just disconnect it
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Bellend on 18 February 2013, 16:38
Sounds a lot easier to just disconnect it

It is. Is technically illegal though.

I just did it as I didn't want to get the aircon done. If you do just remove it make sure it's in the open and you stay away. It can suffocate you pretty easy. Don't do it in a garage!

Halfords do regas kits now.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 18 February 2013, 16:48
Sounds good Len!!! I was gunna try and do it without disconnecting the aircon anyways.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Wayne on 18 February 2013, 20:06
I love the way people say just deconnect the AC pipes, the gas is deadly why mess about with it, get it degassed by someone that knows what they are doing.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 18 February 2013, 21:04
The gas I exhale is deadly. The gasses exhausting out your car are deadly. A fire extinguisher is deadly.

But if your competent person you will be fine. 
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 18 February 2013, 21:07
The gas I exhale is deadly. The gasses exhausting out your car are deadly. A fire extinguisher is deadly.

But if your competent person you will be fine.

No you won't, if you undo an air con pipe, YOU WILL DIE!!!!!!!   :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 18 February 2013, 21:08
(http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/a/ae/Radiation-suit.jpg)
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 18 February 2013, 21:13
(http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/a/ae/Radiation-suit.jpg)


 :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 18 February 2013, 21:22
 :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Wayne on 18 February 2013, 21:30
I work with Air Con so in this case I do happen to know what I am talking about, it is something best left to the specialists.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 18 February 2013, 21:45
You are right but I wouldn't bother with a specialist personally 
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Lewy on 18 February 2013, 21:47
It's illegal to release R134 into the atmosphere, so as Wayne says, get a specialist to remove the refridgerant and then re-fill.  If you get a mobile dude to do it then the costs should be minimal.

You are right but I wouldn't bother with a specialist personally 

Why not?
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 18 February 2013, 22:28
It's illegal to release R134 into the atmosphere, so as Wayne says, get a specialist to remove the refridgerant and then re-fill.  If you get a mobile dude to do it then the costs should be minimal.

You are right but I wouldn't bother with a specialist personally 

Why not?

Waste of my time and money.

Do I really need to tell you why? No sir I don't.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Bellend on 18 February 2013, 23:50
You can die if it's an enclosed space. Pretty easy too.

Obviously you'd have to be an idiot to do it in an enclosed space.....
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Lewy on 19 February 2013, 04:43

Waste of my time and money.

Do I really need to tell you why? No sir I don't.

Great reply. :rolleyes:

Unless you have all of the correct equipment to carry out a test of the system prior to filling with R134, then you need a specialist.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 19 February 2013, 08:05
Who said I'm doing it?
When did I say I would release in atmosphere?
When did I say I wouldn't do it in the correct method?
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: madmanmart on 19 February 2013, 08:14
Ive done it, I didn't need a specialist....

Inhaled abit too and I'm still here, I didn't instantly die on the spot although I felt abit rough.  :grin:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Len on 19 February 2013, 10:18
Dont know why you idiots are even talking about the aircon when it does not need to be disconnected! :rolleyes:

Yes its a pain to slide it out and avoid little pinch points etc but its do-able and far less hassle than disconnecting aircon!
Especially as my experiences with that stuff means you either break a joint or union or something wont come undone!
Let alone the dangerous nature of the gases and liquids involved.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: tweed on 19 February 2013, 10:45
I don't know why it's been dragged out either. Answer has been given  :huh:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 19 February 2013, 10:52
Right then, lets end this little disagreement shall we.

I have one radiator


(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h364/murrayminf/51d273961227f48f7faa921f1569d952_zps2ed7244a.jpg)




And I have one aircon system, still connected!

(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h364/murrayminf/44ba74211adf41612a728202f792301e_zpse2baea53.jpg)


Cheers Len for the trimming advise, just got to be a bit more carefull putting the new one in lol
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Bellend on 19 February 2013, 11:10
Right then, lets end this little disagreement shall we.

I have one radiator


(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h364/murrayminf/51d273961227f48f7faa921f1569d952_zps2ed7244a.jpg)




And I have one aircon system, still connected!

(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h364/murrayminf/44ba74211adf41612a728202f792301e_zpse2baea53.jpg)


Cheers Len for the trimming advise, just got to be a bit more carefull putting the new one in lol

Top reply. :cool:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 19 February 2013, 11:23
Good work.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Len on 19 February 2013, 12:30
Well done Josh.

Yea I see the snips!  :wink:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: Lewy on 19 February 2013, 19:16
Who said I'm doing it?
When did I say I would release in atmosphere?
When did I say I wouldn't do it in the correct method?

You did.

Sounds a lot easier to just disconnect it
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 19 February 2013, 19:30




Top reply. :cool:

Good work.

Cheers :afro:


Well done Josh.

Yea I see the snips!  :wink:

Thanks bud, yh attacked it with the snips  :grin:
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 19 February 2013, 20:24
Its good to know its possible in situ as ive always been lead to believe the condenser had to be removed for enough radiator access.
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 21 February 2013, 18:20
New rad in and all working, went in easier then it came out
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: vr6D4v3 on 21 February 2013, 18:38
Would you be able to take some pics of the bits you needed to snip just for future reference?
Title: Re: Changing the radiator on an aircon model mk3
Post by: murraymint on 21 February 2013, 18:58
Would you be able to take some pics of the bits you needed to snip just for future reference?

Yh il try n get some pics at the weekend,