Hi guys,

Another odd query from me....

Anyone know if it is possible to lift the radiator and AC condenser in one block a few inches without disconnecting any of the hoses?

I need to strip back the beam below the rad as it is starting to rust so want to catch it before it gets to the point of needing welding as that is a major job.

I've removed the supercharger rad as that is easy to get off from the front. Have repainted the bracket for that already.

Don't really want to evacuate the AC and also can't raise the bonnet past regular open position now the car is on stands in my garage.

Think I can prob wrestle the fans out but hoping I can just lift the main radiator up a couple of inches and then wedge some blocks under it.

 

I doubt you will get enough workspace. There is some 'give' in the radiator coolant hoses and also in the trans. oil cooler lines on the LHS, but it's tight on the other side. You will definitely need to loosen the clamp for the receiver/dryer to allow it to rise with the assembly.

Some have managed to separate the condenser/radiator pair and remove the latter without disturbing the A/C plumbing.

I guess try it and see on the understanding that the job may well grow.

 

XK Owen,

+1 As michaelh says, the clearance will be very limited. I only just managed the job during a major strip-down and when the front cross-member was off !

I thought the piping (arrowed) which is routed under both left and right cross-member brackets would restrict the amount you lift the heat exchanger pack, but I'm wrong, these are Oil cooler pipes - which are not attached to the engine Rad and A/C Condenser!!

 

Thanks guys, it doesn't sound too promising.

I'm going to try and get the fans out in the morning so I can investigate a bit. Maybe once it is all loose it might move back slightly. I only need a bit more edge to work with.

as you can see the rust is only on the edge so not major but I want to be able to clean it all off properly and repaint Just really don't want to remove the whole lot.

 

Did you get anywhere with this project? Were you able to generate any access to the top of the cross member to allow for preservation work?
Looks like I have a similar corrosion issue.

 

Not yet... removing the fans doesn't really contribute to anything.

The radiator itself has some play in it but the ac condenser won't budge. Mine also looks like a boomerang so will probably replace it.

I have managed to strip back all the visible parts to bare metal though. Definitely get a poly carbide wheel for a drill or angle grinder as it takes the paint and rust off like you wouldn't believe. Far far better than a wire brush.