[RickM]

I'd say it's usually tough on any car. I've replaced a few on Japanese cars and they were a bear. Sure it's not leaking?

If the inlet and outlet tubes are available on the engine side of the firewall then perhaps you can do a simple pressure test with a tool like a Mighty-vac.

If you have to remove I'd suggest bringing it to a radiator shop (if they still exist) and have it steam cleaned, boiled/soaked, pressure tested, repaired (if needed) and painted. Many don't bother as the time to R&R demands replacing with new.