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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: eightyeightmph on 29 April 2008, 07:48

Title: Fitting a New Radiator on a GTi - helpful pointers please?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 29 April 2008, 07:48
So I've got a nice new OEM Radiator from VW & 3 ltrs of G12....

What's next?

The front end will be off the car over the weekend anyway so what I need to know is where to disconnect the old one, where/how to drain the system etc.

Any pointers please?

:afro:
Title: Re: Fitting a New Radiator on a GTi - helpful pointers please?
Post by: Paul86S2 on 29 April 2008, 09:41
Front bumper and crossmember need to be removed. Dont forget to disconnect the wiring for indicators fog lights and temp sensor. Disconnect battery first of course. Headlights will need to be removed or undone and pushed out of the way.
If you are draining the whole system then disconnect the hose at the thermostat.
Disconnect the radiator top and bottom hoses, and the electrical connection for the temp switch/sender.
Undo the 4 bolts holding the radiator on and remove it.
Installation is the reverse of the above. Use new clips on the hoses.
Fill the system slowly whilst squeezing the hoses to expell the air. Took a while to bleed my system properly.
Run the car and check water level, fan operation and temp.

Cheers

Paul
Title: Re: Fitting a New Radiator on a GTi - helpful pointers please?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 29 April 2008, 12:36
Great stuff, where did you get the clips from? VW?
Title: Re: Fitting a New Radiator on a GTi - helpful pointers please?
Post by: Paul86S2 on 29 April 2008, 13:05
Great stuff, where did you get the clips from? VW?
No I ditched the VW clips and used standard hose clips from Halfrauds, just don't overtighten them on the plastic pipes.

Paul
Title: Re: Fitting a New Radiator on a GTi - helpful pointers please?
Post by: eightyeightmph on 29 April 2008, 21:28
Great stuff, thanks! :afro:
Title: Re: Fitting a New Radiator on a GTi - helpful pointers please?
Post by: nelds on 30 April 2008, 07:02
i managed to remove my rad without touching the headlights, you should get away with leaving them and jst doing what he said ^^^^^. my system took about 20 - 30 minutes to re-fill with squeezing the hoses with the filler cap off.