A few thoughts on removing the radiator

[divezic]

I removed my radiator from my 84 944 for the second time in 15 months and here's what I learned (for those of you who are interested):

1. When you have to remove your radiator (clutch, engine, belts, etc, etc) replace all the high rate failure parts at that point. Or else you'll be doing it again in 15 months. I replaced my radiator last year (clogged) and changed the thermostat but not the coolant temperature switch. Murphy's Law...it recently failed. Please don't ask why I had to remove the radiator to replace the temp switch. It's too embarassing to admit that I stripped the temp switch threads on radiator #2 last week and replaced it with radiator #3 this week. Which brings me to point #2...

2. Use the right tools for the job. Lose one day trying to find a 29mm socket for the torque wrench instead of trying to estimate 22 ft-lbs with a wrench. It felt like 22 ft-lbs but my threads said, "too much."

3. Haynes manual doesn't specify this but...On the ledge above the radiator, there are two strips of steel holding two rubber gromets. These rubber gromets are the upper radiator mounts. Unbolt these steel straps and remove the upper rad mounts before you get under the 944 to remove the radiator. Otherwise you'll have a tough time getting the radiator dislodged from the lower rad rubber mounts. It saves a lot of time, frustration, and knuckle skin.

4. Get ALL the air out of the coolant system. I personally use the Mouth-to-coolant-resivoir method and blew softly while cracking the bleed screw with a 12mm socket. My wife saw me do this and is still making cracks about how she caught me giving my 944 a little tongue. My recommendation, lock the garage door for this part and don't use tongue...coolant is toxic.

5. Share your experiences with us (especially the bone-head ones). I learn more from these BBS's than I ever will from Haynes.

Hope it helps, and I hope more that I made some sense.

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Dave
1984 944
Stuck in hell with a year to go.

[lm6y]

I think that's why we are all here. I've learned so much from this BBS. I could have gotten the job done eventually, but when you ask someone who's done it before, it seems to go alot smoother. Hopefully, I've helped other people out, and returned the favor.

BTW, what does "stuck in Hell with a year to go" mean?

[Panzer909]

Hey don't worry, man. You're not alone. I'm currently performing a ground-up restoration on my '72 Triumph TR6, but it once took me over a hour to remove the drain plug bolt on the Porsche. Go figure.

[Lawrence Coppari]

On radiators, I only tighten until it does not leak, particularly with old radiators. Never had a plug loosen and fall out. 22 ft lbs sounds high. A spark plug is only 18 - 20 ft-lbs. Sorry for your trouble.

[asidrave]

divezic, thanx for the info. im planning on changing my fan temp switch this weekend. you saved me a big headache. im sorry that all that happened to you. look at it this way, its a great learning experience and you get to know your car better.

[kukunaokala]

Last week I did that same thing, just a little wrist tight, on the fan switch. ADD thermostats! Save your-self some grief and get the tool. Aloha and have a happy and safe holidays, Neal

[johnnybegood]

Hello,,, if you are a dummy (like me) then you don't want tighten the radiator plug
with a screwdriver on the radiator to the point of breaking (hand tight, it broke and
the plug was semi new). where I live the closest porsche shop is 120 miles away,
so, the plug for a mercedes bens will fit. does not have the o ring in it but, the
rubber on that type of plug will mate with the surface of the radiator on the porsche,
(the radiator has a flat surface where the plug goes, and same thread pattern). fun
fun

[divezic]

To Im6y,
"Stuck in hell with a year to go" refers to being stationed in Naples Italy. Nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there...but I do.



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Dave
1984 944
Stuck in hell with a year to go.