Can I change my own radiator?

[Michael Murphy]

Martin Suryadarma wrote:
> 
> Ok, you guys be the judge based on stuff that I have done, honest opinions
> only please...:)

> If you think I can do it, is there any special tool necessary? I have the
> normal sized wreches, screwdrivers, and stuff, nothing out of the ordinary.
> 

Martin,
Nothing about R&Ring the radiator on a 100 is "rocket science".  Take a
look at the job.  If you have a bit of common sense, a smidgen of
mechanical ability, a metric socket and wrench set and an adjustable
wrench - to remove the coolant temp sensor in the radiator, you can do
the job.

I'm the guy who said 1.5 hrs and no, I'm not a professional mechanic, 
don't have a roll around tool chest stuffed w/tools and did the job by
myself in that time frame on my 89 100.

On a 100, the PS pump does not have to come off and the fan/shroud is
just unbolted and moved out of the way.  You do need to remove the
overflow reservoir (3 screws) and disconnect the connector from the
coolant level sensor on the bottom of the reservoir.  Depending on the
aftermarket radiator, you may have to make or enlarge an existing cutout
in the lower part of the radiator frame to accommodate clearance of the
AC condenser hose/fitting.  A dremel tool or a good metal file can deal
with that.

You will probably need to replace the upper rubber mountings studs (2)
as the old ones are probably shot.  I "fudged" them from the misc. parts
bin at my local parts place.  Landed up using a couple of BMW exhaust
bracket mounting studs. 

The only mildly frustrating part of this whole procedure was getting the
new radiator to seat properly in the lip on the AC/condensor frame.

And...you don't even have to raise the car to do the job.
--
Mike Murphy