CCKen:

I don't know why I didn't think of Lowe's. And I will definitely look into that Faucet and Valve Grease.

Based on the videos I've found, I was planning on pulling out the radiator and the hoses, then the water pump and thermostat and just going in reverse from there, with the electric fan last because that should be the easiest thing to do.

I bought pre-mixed coolant. I'm sure people have a lot of opinions on not doing that. And I'm sure I spent more than I had to, but it's already done.

What do you use for painting these things, by the way? I've seen that people have even painted the valve cover, and I'm really kinda curious if there's a special type of paint you have to use.

 

...and UPS got confused, so my clever plan of 'everything at once' is out.

Everything but the fan, apparently. Not sure how this happened. It showed as here in town last night, shortly after midnight. Now it's somewhere Illinois, suffering from an inclement weather delay.

I still want to get as much done as I can this weekend, though. If they don't magically deliver the fan today, how can I protect the radiator when installing the clutch fan?

 

That's all I've ever used is premix 50/50. A few extra bucks but no F.U. trying to make sure I have the correct water/AF mix.

I use engine enamel for motor parts painting. It has a higher temp rating than the run-of-the-mill enamel. I use the engine enamel primer as well.

 

I hate doing this, but tape some cardboard or 1/4" plywood securely in place over the inner surface of the radiator to protect it.

Did you get the clutch to fan bolts? You'll need to assemble the fan blade to the clutch before assembling it to the motor.

 

I actually just bought the entire assembly from EBay because it was cheaper than just getting the blade on its own.

I figured...if the clutch is still good, then great. If not, then also great. At least I still have the blade and everything to assemble it.

 

You need to install fan and shroud In one shot just so ya know....

 

Yeah. No point in putting in the shroud before the fan is there. And every video I've found involves removing the shroud to get at the fan [and several solutions for holding the fan steady], and then putting the shroud back last.

I'm very into doing things in the proper order. Having an exact order of instructions, clear and step-by-step, makes almost everything go smoothly. Doing things this way has served me fairly well in nearly everything I've ever tried.

 

Then what fan did you buy, was it this one or an elecric fan?

You'll know soon enough if the clutch is bad. When you get it, look for fluid stains on it-like it's leaking. If there is, Say Good Night Gracie, it's dead on arrival.

 

Don't get ahead of yourself and dick things up. You've got plenty of work to do in prep for changing the radiator, i.e., pump, t-stat housing, etc., and removing the grill to access the radiator.

It is best to install the fan blade/clutch on the AC Comp bracket bearing adaptor and securing the shroud out of the way before installing the radiator.

There ain't a doubt in my military mind that you should do it in this sequence.

 

I've got a proper electric replacement here already, and I've got the clutch fan [blade and clutch] on the way. The shroud is already here.

I was planning on doing this on Sunday because that's when the extra help would be available. At absolute worst, we can just tackle the valve cover gasket, and then try to fit everything else in on Monday or Tuesday, when the clutch/blade shows up.

 

Carry on....

 

Remove Grill ?

 

If I remove my grill, how do I make celebratory burgers and accidentally burn down the house?

Kidding.

 

lol...Removeing grills not necessary to do radiator.

 

I recommend removing the grill to anyone that has never changed a radiator, and without removing the condenser. Just makes sense to me.

I can cleanly remove my grill, including crossmember, and have it in my cargo bay in 20 minutes. There's just a hand full of bolts, screws and nuts to deal with.

If anyone can explain to Hunter how to do it with the grill installed, please do.