3 hours labour quoted for fitting new radiator,

[keith]

where I live there are places that will lend you tools and a ramp for an hourly rental fee.....£10-£15 hr do you have anything similar ?

[itchyfeet]

I dunno about but even in London £65 an hour isn't a bad wage and another garage has sad that they can do it. The bleeding is pretty straightforward and I do it every time there is a change to the levels. I had read somewhere that the later models were self bleeding and I wondered whether that was the case

Thay are sort of self bleeding but if there is alot of coolant missing its going to be a problem, the last litre or so will self bleed out as long as you keep the top up tank topped up, its 16L in total.

just remembered you need to also disconnect fan and sawp that over from one to the other.

one big positive for doing a job yourself is for example you can clean up and treat any rust while you are in there, a garage will never do that extra stuff and its often the only chance, fan cowling for example will be rusty

[kevtherev]

I had read somewhere that the later models were self bleeding and I wondered whether that was the case

it is (around the engine) but the radiator has to be bled

[Sir Brixalot]

p.s = From another (recent post of mine) =

It is surprising how quickly one can become at bleeding after doing it a few times. One trick I used, esp as the engine was already hot, was to re-fill, fit the dalek, start motor, drive a bit or have a fag, then carefully slacken slightly the bleed bolt on the rad. The pressure that should have built up (hot engine) allows any air to be forceably ejected. When water starts coming out, re-tighten, but repeat the procedure a couple of times between drain and re-fills. This avoids all that "rev to 3,000 rpm, then loosen" business (which takes 2 folk).

Now, don't do what I did once. Whilst doing the above "hot, pressurised" bleeding, I undid the bleed screw on the rad too far, came out and a powerful fountain of very hot water shot out, hit the bodywork and sprayed all over me. Luckily I was unhurt. Just crack the bolt, don't unscrew it too far !

Good tip. As for the smoking a fag, I haven't smoked since New Years Eve - first time I've managed to stop in 32 years!

[Oldiebut goodie]

When I was at school you didn't smoke a fag!!!!

[Sir Brixalot]

You can't have gone to Public School then, it's compulsory there.

[Dave307]

I've done it today. Wasn't to bad a job. Bleeding always worried me but no leaks and good temp reading seems to mean all is in order. Would definitely not pay someone to do. I just read wiki and a good thread on brick yard followed that no jacking involved.

[Sir Brixalot]

Interesting. Cut you pop a link to that thread so I can have a butchers ? I think I'd have to lift mine as I have front spoilers.

[itchyfeet]

Interesting. Cut you pop a link to that thread so I can have a butchers ?

i already did on the last page

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/bleed ... 29710.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

this also in the wiki but id go with baxters guide

http://wiki.club8090.co.uk/index.php/Co ... ing_system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Bishop]

Well done. I bet it took you less than three hours.

[Sir Brixalot]

Interesting. Cut you pop a link to that thread so I can have a butchers ?

i already did on the last page

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/bleed ... 29710.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

this also in the wiki but id go with baxters guide

http://wiki.club8090.co.uk/index.php/Co ... ing_system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ah I see. I have a print out of that in my Glove box. Thought you meant a thread on changing the rad

[itchyfeet]

Some pics for inspiration

Spare wheel carier off and up on blocks about 6 inches


Rad pipes and bracket


Rad and fan



Refitted


Need to make new rad cards?

[Sir Brixalot]

Thanks for all that effort your van looks pretty good. Radiator Cards? What are they for?

[itchyfeet]

They funnel air into the rad, made of card and often badly damaged or missing, there is also one at the botton but the shape is just rectangular
can throw them away if you want many have done im sure as the uk never gets silly hot but i prefer to refit just incase you need them one day in summer stuck in a traffic jam

you can see them fitted on 2nd and 4th pic above

[kevtherev]

the bottom card is the biggest contributor to rusting the deformation/slam panel seam.
A VW mistake I think.
when replacing it use something less like a sponge.