Petrol radiator replacement

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

Will be looking at replacing my radiator soon, as i was told it was still original (1999).

The lower metal inlet/outlets are for the transmission cooling, from what i can determine.
When emptying the radiator, and taking the clamps off the oil cooler clamps, obviously fluid will come out of the cooler.
What fluid is it?
Where do i refill the Fluid once the new radiator has been installed?

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

It'll be automatic transmission fluid, which is topped up via the same narrow tube where you check the transmission fluid level.

Note, checking fluid level is done with engine running.

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

Thanks Glen. All i needed to know for confirmation.

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

since i will be replacing the radiator, and will loose transmission oil when disconnecting the old and connecting the new radiator, if i simply removed the transmission sump plug to drain all oil first from the transmission, will i be able to simply buy new Dexron iii oil and refill once the radiator is reconnected?

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

Trying to avoid removing pan, but will if i have to to change the transmission oil.

[oceanracer Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close oceanracer]

Are you just changing it because of its age? or is there another reason

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

Are you just changing it because of its age? or is there another reason

I am assuming i will be loosing transmission oil when i change the radiator from the oil cooler.
As i have only had the vehicle for a few months, i don't have knowledge of what and when oil was changed/used for the transmission.
Not really wanting to mix oils, i thought i'd change the transmission oil when loosing some during the radiator change.
Just not sure if i needed to remove the transmission pan to clean out and replace the filter, or just drain completely, then replace all trans oil when radiator has been refitted.

[oceanracer Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close oceanracer]

Sorry, are you changing the radiator for a reason

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

Sorry, are you changing the radiator for a reason

I thought i had a problem with my a/c, so i took it to natrad.
There was no prob with a/c, but was told the radiator looks original, and was showing signs of failing soon.
Think he said something about the plastic around the hose connections, or something. Rather change out now rather than halfway interstate.

[oceanracer Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close oceanracer]

Ok, mine is original , I havnt noticed any problems yet, maybe I should look at it soon, what kind are you going to get, same as original or a slightly larger aluminum one

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

I bought one on eBay, delivered for $155.
Didn't want to upgrade to an all aluminium, 1. Cost and 2. If a plastic/aluminium lasted 17 years, they cant be that bad.
Planning trips from NSW to VIC, so just trying to prevent an overheating problem that can be prevented for cheap.
Also going to add a few extra gauges to monitor things, water temp, transmission temp, and battery voltage.

[oceanracer Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close oceanracer]

Let us know how it all fits up and works thanks

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

I wonder as the cooling hoses do travel UP from the transmission, how much oil will really be lost once the radiator cooling hoses are removed.
Maybe i will only loose a few mils, and will leave the fluid change for the next project.

[Brett1979 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Brett1979]

Only a little bit of fluid will come out. Not much at all. If you're really wanting to keep tabs how much comes out, have a measuring jug handy and when you yank one hose off at a time you can measure how much pours into the jug. Then do the same again when removing the other hose. Then turn the hoses upright tiucking them up into something while you replace the radiator to stop the dripping of trains fluid dripping out. The radiator is really simple to to replace so you did the right thing by purchasing it and replacing it yourself. There's only 4 bolts holding it on. You'll only need to remove the fan shroud and radiator to do the job. Take care when sliding the new one back down so you don't bump the fins.

Just top up the little bit of transmission fluid with any Dex 3 fluid via the check level dipstick tube.
You may need a syringe plunger with a hose connected, and a funnel going into the syringe with the plunger removed from it.
It won't matter which brand Dex 3 you use for this little top up. Basically all the different brands of oils and fluids of the same type have to be completely compatible with all other brands in order to have their product on the market, so no big deal if you mix them. There's no bad side effects like some people believe.

[CoreyTroy Member Find all posts View Profile Close CoreyTroy]

Thanks for the reply Brett.
You comments were exactly what i needed.
I will be tackling the radiator change later this week.
If i remember i will take a couple of before after pics to upload.