View Full Version : radiator replacement ?


tsmitty1964
05-11-08, 06:15 PM
I believe I've seen it before but I'm having a heck of a time finding it -step by step instructions on replacing a radiator . Can anyone provide me the link ? 1996 SLS .
Thanks

Krashed989
05-11-08, 11:07 PM
I'm copying and pasting #'s 1-19 from a previous post of mine. (here: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-seville-cadillac-eldorado-forum/139360-alternator-replacement.html )


Procedure:
1.Remove Plastic covers over the top of the headlights and the top of the radiator
2.Remove The air cleaner box
3.Remove The battery
4.Remove The air bag sensor (be sure the battery is out before you remove it and have it installed before you reconnect the battery when you're finishing up.)
5.Remove The passenger side fan
6.Unscrew the two screws on the drivers side fan, lift it up and move it towards the passenger side a little. Don't unplug it.
7.Unbolt both of the dog bone (torque strut) mounts from the frame and flip them on top of the engine to get them out of the way.
8.Put a pan under the car
9.Detach the upper and lower radiator hose from the engine
10.Disconnect the transmission cooler lines from the drivers side of the radiator.
11.Unplug the drivers side fan. Have fun; it can be a PITA. You'll need a very small flathead screwdriver to stick in there and lift up the tab.
12.Remove the drivers side fan by maneuvering it around the lower radiator hose and out of the drivers side of the engine compartment.
13.If you have Oil cooler lines on the passenger side of the radiator, disconnect them.
14.Remove the plastic brace from the top of the radiator. 3 bolts connecting to the frame.
15.Unbolt the A/C condenser core from the top of the radiator.
16.Push the front of the A/C condenser core back (toward the engine) to lean it and the radiator so you can get at them better.
17.There are two flat "hooks" on the condenser core going through a loop on each side of the radiator. Try to pull the radiator and condenser core apart to get a look at them.
18.You'll have to lift up on the condenser core to pull the hook out of its loop and detach it from the radiator. What I did was I went and got a Big metal straight-edge ruler and while I was lifting the condenser core used it to push the hook away from the hole so it wouldn't reenter after putting it back down. Do it to both sides.
19.Now the radiator is free. Lift the radiator up. It will come about half way and the lower radiator hose will hit an A/C line. At that point focus more on lifting the passenger side. It should come right out. (Note: the rubber shoes to keep the radiator from vibrating may come loose. If that is the case simply take them out for now. You can slip them into place once the new radiator is already in.)
20.Remove upper and lower radiator hose from old radiator and attach them to the new radiator.
21.Move all transmission cooler lines and oil cooler lines to a position where they will not get in the way when you put the new radiator in.
22.Ease the new radiator in place. If it gets stuck, do not force it.
23.Lift up on the condenser core and attach it's hooks to the new radiator.
24.Reattach everything And basically work in reverse to put it all back together.

tsmitty1964
05-12-08, 06:41 AM
Awesome !
Thanks much .