I have my new radiator - but how do I install it?

[My_favorite_Brougham]

The radiator on my '90 Brougham has been going through about half a gallon of water every day, so I haven't been able to keep antifreeze in it, what with my having to fill it up daily. So I ordered a brand new radiator for 120 bucks, and it arrived today. But how do I install it? Any tips,helps,hints, or comments? Hmm?

[89fatb]

should be a relativly easy install. drain the coolant, break loose the fan clutch and spin it off, remove the fan shroud with the fan clutch at the same time. it really opens up. unscrew the trans cooler lines and remove the radiator hoses at the radiator. now......remove the radiator,now just transfer any nut clips, and reverse to install. sorry got carried away... well maybe it helps a little

[My_favorite_Brougham]

Actually, that helps a whole lot. I thought the process would be self-explanatory, but I just wanted some imput before I started. I always find the people on this forum to have useful knowledge that no one else can offer - stuff like warnings, and tricks, and all-around helpful hints.

Thanks

[brougham]

You probably dont have to take the fan off just to change the radiator.

[BCs71]

Before removing any hoses be sure to crack open the drain cock at the bottom to allow the coolant to escape the radiator or you will have a big gushing mess all over when taking off hoses. Hopefully rust will not be an issue otherwise the draincock can be difficult to open (and even crack off, but if the radiator is bad anyway then who cares) and removing tranny & oil cooler lines can be very tough. You don't want to crack or break these lines. Be careful and go slow.

Before removing the radiator the upper shroud or radiator support cover (lays flat horizontally over the top of radiator) will have to be removed. The radiator should be lifted straight up and out of the car after all hoses and lines are disconnected.
Reverse install to put in the new radiator. Tighten all hose clamps and cooler lines (don't overtighten or can crack new radiator). Refill with distilled water and antifreeze mix (50/50% is the goal for total coolant system). Fill the radiator up slowly until the level is at the top of the fill neck. Then start the engine and let run with radiator cap off for about ten minutes (to bring up to operating temp). The t-stat will open eventually and you'll likely see the level in the filler neck reduce quite a bit. Then you can add some more coolant until the neck is full again.
If the coolant gets hot enough it will start to expand and overflow the neck. Just simply replace the radiator cap for the time being and shut off engine.
Let the car cool for a couple of hours and then remove cap and see if level is up all the way to top (if not, then fill with more coolant/water mix).
Also at this time see if the coolant overflow jug is filled up to appropriate level (should be marked "cool" line on jug). Add a little extra to the jug if necessary, or even remove some coolant if necessary if above cool line.

Hope that helps!