rad removal

[jeffdub]

going to replace my header tank this weekend and flush the radiator do i have to remove the rad or can i flush it in place ? if i have to remove it is there an easy way ? or is it drop the front wheel down and remove everything i can see ? thanks in advance for any advice jeff

[jeffdub]

sorry i meant the spare wheel carrier not the front wheel

[ermie571]

well, I have removed a couple of rads with help of hubby and friend.....not too horrendous. But I believe you can flush with it in situ....but you need some pressure as both entry and exit are at the bottom....


Em
xx

[kevtherev]

Personally I would remove it and flush it with a good strong flow of water... both ways.
Any sludge present will be well entrenched by now so be mindful of this.



here's a pic of the rad with the core removed so you can see all the hidey holes
it takes some orientation but you'll get there



OK if you've worked it out the VW cooling system is different to normal, where hot coolant enters the radiator at the bottom and works it's way UP to the top.
Where it's cooled again across the top before exiting down a pipe to the bottom of the rad

DON'T MIX UP THE PIPES WHEN YOU REFIT IT....

[Terry Pollard]

I just fitted a new rad to my '88 and it's fairly easy to remove if all the "captives" are not rusted solid. When you refit your rad make sure the bleed screw is working 'cos if not it's almost impossible to bleed out the air from the rad, and don't lose the small rubber cushion washers from the four posts on each corner of the rad. Good Luck!