Hey Guys,

So when I did my front brakes last weekend I noticed a collapsed radiator hose. So I ordered from Rock Bottom, and got URO Part hoses in about 36 hrs.

I reviewed Gus's fantastic instructions for the thermostat swap, as to how to do the lower radiator hose, since my big fat hand isn't getting anywhere near the lower clamp.

My 2006 XK8 has a different thermostat housing, not a big deal because its not involved in this repair. But the radiator fans are also different. A) the electrical connections are on the top of the fan. B) There is an aluminum cooling line (guessing) clipped to the bottom of the radiator fans which keeps the fans from lifting out.

Does anyone know if this can be unclipped with the car being on the ground ?

Not sure how to pop it out and I don't want to get to manly with it.

Thanks

Dave

 

Well it was a silly little plastic clip. I am to fat to slide under the nose of the car, so I borrowed a pair of ramps and popped it right out.

Following the directions of pulling the radiator fans out of the car, the dissassembly portion of the project was about 30mins.

Had I heeded the information online and purchased hose clamps to replace the spring clamps, I would have save myself the majority of todays project.

But total project time was just over an hour.

The only thing I wasn't sure about was the draining of the coolant from the engine block. I drained the radiator. But am not sure how the block should have been easily drained.

Put everything back together and no leaks.

For someone with smaller hands, this was an easy project only requiring a couple of tools and a little perspiration.

Dave B

 

you needed one of these cable operated hose clamp pliers at the recommendation of another member, I got one for my heater hoses (3 or for spring clamps) then used it for the upper hose, then used it again for my upper hose when my t-stat housing leaked...it comes in handy.

 

That's Nifty. I used a pair of channel locks and with the fans out the clamps came off no problem. But the new hoses (URO PART) were thicker walled, and the clamps when fully opened would slide over the barb to clamp.

So I just swapped all four for generic hose clamps.

It was almost 100 degrees here today, so now I am hoping to wash the car and then off to run a car rally this evening... Should be a gorgeous topless night !!!

Dave B

 

h20boy can you tell me where did you got the nifty tool? Seems like it would eliminate a lot of future headaches!
Thanks much,

Dave

 

Watch out for big rocks this time...I remember the last time you 'found' one on a rally.

platinumaker, click on the pick, I linked it to the Sears page...its a craftsman tool.

 

i bought one of those fancy clamp pliers also,very nice.harbor freight has them but i bought a craftsman,i was in a hurry to finnish the job.under $50..steve

 

Dave,
I will do better the next time. Looks like you got a lot of good information.