Emptied the Vacuum Cleaner

[jester]

WOW! I've read all the posts about how much junk these cars pick up in between the radiators but it's had to comprehend until you see it for yourself. Mine wasn't as bad as some, but there was about 2 inches of leaves in the bottom along with a few of the foam packaging peanuts and a couple small sticks that you wonder how they got in there. But the worst was the bottom third of the radiator was nearly plugged with stuff that looked sorta like fur. I carefully brushed it all out and fortunately the fins were all in good shape, so I didn't need to spend a lot of time straightening. I thought the car was running a little warmer than normal last summer, so cleaning should help that a lot.

Now if I can just get the rest of it back together before warm weather life will be good.

 

[JonM]

If your engine could kiss you...it would

 

[Ken]

Interesting that this should pop up again so soon; I just posted about Vette magazine doing an article on the installation of a "Clean Shield" for your Bottom Feeder, yesterday.

 

[RedRagTop]

jester; Much of a procedure involved in this job? I have the same year car (and have never done this) and was just wondering if you would toss me a step-by...
Thanks
RJS

 

[jester]

Hi RJS,

There have been a couple very good descriptions of how to do this posted before, but I couldn't locate one with a quick search. Maybe someone with a better memory can give a pointer.

With our cars it's pretty easy. I'll give a quick synopsis.

1, Remove the air cleaner asembly from the top of the radiator.
2. On the passenger side; remove the lower radiator hose, the two transmission cooling tubes and the overflow hose.
3. On the driver side; remove the upper radiator hose.
All screws are now visible and easily removable from the top.
4. Remove the top two fan mounting screws.
5. There are several 10mm screws on each end of the radiator cover. I found it easier to remove all three of the screws holding the power steering fluid reservoir, so it could be swung out of the way.
6. There are some smaller screws across the front of the cover.
7. You can now remove the radiator cover. It may take some wiggling to get it by the AC stuff.
8. Look in and be amazed at all the stuff that has accumulated.
9. Carefully lift the radiator out and start cleaning. Be careful not to brush across the fins as they are soft aluminum. Carefully straighten fins, as necessary.
10. Reassemble in reverse order.

As I said, there have been some better descriptions, but it is really pretty straight forward, once you get in there and start looking at it.

Good luck,
John

 

[RedRagTop]

jester; Thanks a bunch, I have printed out your procedure.
Isn't this the greatest thing about CAC? Vetters helping vetters..