Cannot pull radiator out

[Skip]

Ok – so I’m still in the process of replacing my water pump because I cannot pull the radiator out. I disconnected the hoses and the bottom bolt but it seems like its being held in there by the rubber ‘things’ on either side. The radiator pivots front and back from this point. I also noticed a metal sleeve on the sides the radiator. Is this supposed to just hold it in place? This ‘’sleeve’ looks like it is connected to the top corners of the radiator. I saw a slot where it looks like a screw driver should go to bend it away from the radiator (I think). Could it be painted on somehow and I just need to really pry it away from the radiator? Sorry to be so vague. Any help would be appreciated.

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by Skip Ok – so I’m still in the process of replacing my water pump because I cannot pull the radiator out. I disconnected the hoses and the bottom bolt but it seems like its being held in there by the rubber ‘things’ on either side. The radiator pivots front and back from this point. I also noticed a metal sleeve on the sides the radiator. Is this supposed to just hold it in place? This ‘’sleeve’ looks like it is connected to the top corners of the radiator. I saw a slot where it looks like a screw driver should go to bend it away from the radiator (I think). Could it be painted on somehow and I just need to really pry it away from the radiator? Sorry to be so vague. Any help would be appreciated.

Skip;
There's also a brace that connects the bottom of the radiator to the front suspension cross member. You'll have to get up under the car to take the one bolt loose.

[salsashark]

Went through the same frustration a few months ago...

The rubber bumpers at the top are not bolted in, they just sit in the cradles on the car. Like BQ said, it's a pain, but you have to get up over the front suspension and get that bracket removed. Then the radiator will lift straight out.

[BritNicholson]

I think he already took that bolt out. Did you remove the shroud?

[Skip]

The bolt is out. The rubber stoppers seem to be inhibiting vertical movement. The shroud seems to be 'attached' to the radiator.

[jlthunder]

The shroud is attached at 4 points to the radiator. You must remove the shroud screws(2 on each side of the radiator) otherwise the shroud will hit the fan and prevent you from removing the radiator. Once the radiator is out, then you can remove the shroud, the fan and then the waterpump. Remember there is one bolt on the waterpump right near the crank pully. Either remove the crank pully or get a small wrench in there to get that bolt out. HTH

Jeff

[namba209]

If the rubber bumpers on the radiator are old and cracked appearing, you may have to do some surgery on them to remove the radiator. OGTS has replacements. Maybe a penetrant will make them pliable enuff to remove the radiator. I had the same problem on Willit? and when I jerked up on the radiator, one of the rubber pieces flew out of the engine bay, the other sheared in two.

[Skip]

OK - will do. Thanks! - I'll try it after work~

[hrcollinsjr]

Skip,

I didn't notice that anyone mentioned this but I've seen the tabs on either side of the rubber bumper mounts on the sides of the radiator bent in order to better secure them to the mounts. This can also cause it to be tough to pull the radiator out.

Harold

[Skip]

I was able to pull the radiator out. It was the rubber bumper mounts that were snug. I was able to replace the water pump too. Upon driving it though, there are two noises that concern me a little.

First – the belt is squeaking when accelerating in first and down shifting and I think a little when cruising in 4th. I do not believe I spilled anything on the belt. Could it be too loose or tight? Could the fan be on to tight?

Second: I think the pulley (or belt) is making a noise that sounds like slate rubbing together but with the cadence or beat of a cricket. I don’t know how else to describe. Could something be too lose or tight?

Thanks for all your help so far! I could not have accomplished what I did with out it.

[jlthunder]

Sounds like your water pump pully is hitting your water pump. Take the belt off and spin the water pump. This will tell you if there is any interference. It should spin freely when there is no anti-freeze in it. If you have coolant, you should be able to spin it without hearing any noise.

I can't recall if there are any spacers in there or not. Someone else will have to chime in on that.

HTH

Jeff

[hrcollinsjr]

On some applications the fan bolts may be too long and hit the pump. Have you checked the clearance between the fan and the shroud? I recently found out the hard way they can come into contact with each other.

Harold

[baz]

may be a silly question but did you put the fan back on the right war around?
the point 1 sounds like just a loose belt but point 2 sounds like the fan could be rubbing on the rad or shroud if its the wrong way around (curve of blade runs the same way as engine so leading edge of blades are to the right and front if looking from the front of engine and the blade has a bend going from bottom left to top right with high part to top left when looking side on to the blade, if its to bottom right then fan is on wrong )
excuse drawring but you see what i mean

ps for my own comfort and to save embarrassment please dont ask why i know this can happen

[Skip]

So the belt was loose and all noises have stopped! I need to confess that the old fan belt was somehow forgotten in the engine compartment. Whoops. As for the backwards fan, I believe it is on correctly but I will check during lunch to be sure. Thanks again everyone!