Radiator Removal

[IamCatman]

OK ...this is probably a dumb question ...what is necessary to remove the radiator in a '95 Touring? It appears to be attached to a transmission cooler ...at least the lines go to (what looks like) a seperate unit underneath the radiator. I have everything loose ...but the lines (and attached parts) are trying to come out with it.

thanks,

>^..^<

[kalevera]

You can undo the cooler lines where they meet the cooler junction block, at the bottom of the radiator. Need a 1/4" 10mm deep socket to do this and there's one nut if I recall correctly.

The trans cooler will then come out with the radiator, undo the self tapping screws and swap the speed nuts on to your new radiator, reinstall, check trans fluid level (a negligible amount will drain from the cooler and lines, but...)

[msknet1]

When I replaced the radiator on my E34 with automatic trans, I never disconnected any transmission cooler lines. I thought the whole job was fairly easy and its a good time to clean out all of the debris as well. The part I disliked was getting the air out of the system. You need to keep an eye on things or the temp gauge will be near the upper limit. It took me a few warm ups and cool downs to get the level right. Make sure you do not overfill the expansion tank once you get things stabilized.

[boone.msi]

the lines do not need to be removed, there is a seperate cooler in front of the radiator, as lowell said, 10mm deep socket does the trick.

[fkong777]

I did rad change twice.. the ATF cooler is a separate cooler but it is bolted on to the radiator. you have to separate the ATF line to the ATF cooler in order to get the radiator out.

Other than that the 2 hose and 2 top clips retains the radiator.

Tip - get new top clips they will break.
Tip - dont lose the ATF hose O-rings. or get new ones just in case.
Clips and o-rings are cheap.