16v radiator

[rowlers]

how easy a job is it to fit a new radiator on my 1990 valver??? Looks fairly straight forward but there must be something I'll need to know before I give it a go!!!

the current one is pouring steam out, after having a look - it looks like it has corroded down the sides so I'm guessing this is where it is leaking from!

The water level doesn't seem to drop much though??
Also is there a particular type that I need to fit (i.e. any better than oem?) and wheres the best place to get one from, GSF, euro???


cheers

[rubjonny]

Ok, first you need to take the rad fan shroud off, and unplug the temp sensor in the bottom right corner.  Then its held on by 2 bolts through brackets on the slam pannel, and the 3 coolant hoses obviously
Also you'll want to take the grill off as there are 2 plastic air guides bolted to the front, which need to be removed before it will come out.  3 of them can be accessed through the grill (just) and one can be accessed from behind on the right side, you'll need a small 13mm ratchet/spanner
Then it just sits in the front crossmemebr, it can be a bit tight but give it a damn good wiggle

Dont forget to transfer the ruber washers from the old one to the bottom lugs, and the temp sender in the bottom right corner.

[rowlers]

cheers rubjonny! sounds straight forward! They are £100 on euo and only £42 on GSF, any difference???

What about these aluminium ones on ebay (nissens??)

[rubjonny]

I'm not sure tbh, but you could aslo get an 8v GTI one as they can work better than the 16v ones.  Advantage is they're easier to come by and possibly cheaper, but you'll also need 1.8 8v GTI/Driver top & bottom hoses, and the rad fan shroud to go with it.  Would also be a good time to upgrade to a 2 speed fan, for which you need the fan, the temp switch and the loom upto the 2 pin plug to the right of the radiator

[rowlers]

right I knew there'd be more to it!! whats the benefit of a 2 speed fan?, where do I get the bits for the loom?
how much are the new hoses and shroud. could I upgrade to the 2 speed fan at a later date? assume it means taking the rad back out though?

if any body has any of these parts be sure to let me me know!!!

[rubjonny]

not really any benefit apart from it isn't as loud on the first setting, you would be best getting the loom from a scrappy
You can upgrade later, you have to take the fan shroud off to swap the fan on, and swap the temp sensor on the rad for a 3 pin one.  You'll loose coolant if you do it in situ tho, which is why its best to do it when you fit the new rad

http://www.gsfcarparts.com stock the fans, senders & hoses, but it would be cheaper to find a 1.8 GTI/Driver/GL in the scrappy & nick the bits you need