Removing a 5k radiator (was "5k plastic radiator failure: repair or replace")

[Wallace White]

Thanks to Steve Buchholz for a helpful reply on this one. It turned out
that my car had a slightly different arrangement, but basically the
condenser was attached to the radiator through a sliding lock. The
condenser had to shift to the left a few inches before it disengaged
from the radiator.

- Wallace
  '87 5kcstq 185k


"Buchholz, Steven" wrote:
>
> Yup ... BTDT!  The condenser is held in place against the radiator at the
> bottom by a couple of clips.  All that you need to do is to lift the
> condenser relative to the radiator about 0.75-1 inch and then the bottom
> clips will be disengaged.  I don't remember about the 5k, but I know on some
> rads I've had to transfer these clips from the old rad to the new one.
>
> The rad on a 5k is really pretty easy IME ... the one thing to remember is
> to be sure to tighten the hose clamp on the outlet that normally sits under
> the quarter panel before fully installing and attaching the rad.
>
> HTH!
> Steve

Wallace White wrote:
>
> Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the repair _usually_ does work but
> not forever. I've decided to replace.
>
> I'm now removing my old radiator and I've hit a snag. Everything is free
> except that the A/C condenser is still attached to the radiator. There's
> a bracket at the bottom right that appears to connect them.
>
> I can't figure out how to undo it. I tried to remove the lower shroud to
> gain access, but there's a pipe off the condenser that goes through a
> hole in the shroud, preventing its removal...
>
> Any help by E-mail or phone (mobile: 408-591-4073) would be greatly
> appreciated! I'm trying to get this thing back on the road so I can go
> to work!
>
> Thanks,
> Wallace
> '87 5kcstq 185k
>
> Wallace White wrote:
> >
> > I just broke my radiator (probably original). I was replacing the
> > coolant overflow hose, which was in bad shape, and the plastic nipple or
> > neck broke off at its base--just like I knew it might from stories I've
> > read here. Durn.
> >
> > So, repair or replace? I understand that there's a repair kit from Audi:
> >
> >         200 121 003  glue  sugg retail $10.05
> >         200 121 001  insert     retail $11.20
> >
> > I'm tempted to repair because I'd like to get the car going again
> > tomorrow without spending the day repairing it... but my gut--and some
> > messages in the archives--say that the repair won't last very long.
> >
> > Metal vs. plastic replacement? Looks like my plastic one made it fifteen
> > years, so I hold no prejudice against it.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > - Wallace
> >   '87 5kcstq 185k