C&R Radiator Installed

[BlinkerBeat]

I did it in my garage on jack stands. I put a 5 gallon bucket under the drain plug. Very little mess. I think the biggest headache is getting the front bumper off.

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[roflitzjinno]

Radiator swap a pretty easy deal to be done in a garage, or better with a lift due to the fluids?

Most rad swaps I've done are very simple. Just make sure nothing is obstructing the flow of the drain otherwise it'll splash everywhere.

 

[Milktealord]

I did it in my garage on jack stands. I put a 5 gallon bucket under the drain plug. Very little mess. I think the biggest headache is getting the front bumper off.

The rad swaps I've seen is through the top without the front bumper removal. I can imagine taking the bumper will be easier to access the radiator, but taking the bumper off is a pain in itself.

 

[Random]

@BlinkerBeat - how much coolant did you used when you swapped the radiator?

 

[BlinkerBeat]

The rad swaps I've seen is through the top without the front bumper removal. I can imagine taking the bumper will be easier to access the radiator, but taking the bumper off is a pain in itself.

I was taking the bumper off anyway for the intercooler, so, I didn't bother looking for a way to get to the condenser bolts. The bottoms 2 bolts might be hard to get to with the bumper on.

 

[BlinkerBeat]

@Random With the Acuity reverse flow hoses it took about 5.5 qts.

 

[Random]

Thanks! I was hoping it wouldn't go past 1 gallon. Looks like i'll need to buy 2 of the 1 gallon coolants since they don't come in smaller sizes.

@Random With the Acuity reverse flow hoses it took about 5.5 qts.

 

[fatherpain]

BlinkerBeat, I missed my initial attempt at a cut for the new drain plug ? but got it in the end ? . Hope your cut was cleaner

This is my 2nd FK8 radiator swap. @Milktealord Bumper removed is definitely the way to go. Not too hard once get the hang of it

 

[BlinkerBeat]

BlinkerBeat, I missed my initial attempt at a cut for the new drain plug ? but got it in the end ? . Hope your cut was cleaner

I didn't cut a new hole. I figured I would deal with the mess next time I change fluid ? ... or try to find a big piece of tubing to fit over it? IDK, haha

 

[fatherpain]

Realized after wanting to verify the drain plug was tight, that the PWR drain plug was pointed down instead of sideways like the OEM and Koyorad.

Was able to tighten the plug a little, using an Allen key, once the hole was there.

Did you perform the voltage test to verify no electrolysis? PWR instructions say to do this. Curious if C&R has same instructions (should).

I didn't cut a new hole. I figured I would deal with the mess next time I change fluid ? ... or try to find a big piece of tubing to fit over it? IDK, haha

 

[Milktealord]

I was watching how this guy removed his radiator, I wonder how he removed the bottom two bolts.

He never removed the bumper so I was glad. Because I removed my front bumper at least 4 times already, maybe because of my heavy handiness, each time breaks a tab or scratch the bumper and when I put it back, the bumper gap gets bigger. Then my OCD kicks in and I start heat gunning the tabs to tighten the gap and I swore I would never take the bumper off again. Now you came along with a promising result of the PWR and C&R radiator
Can the bottom two bolts be accessed from the bottom?

 

[BlinkerBeat]

Realized after wanting to verify the drain plug was tight, that the PWR drain plug was pointed down instead of sideways like the OEM and Koyorad.

Was able to tighten the plug a little, using an Allen key, once the hole was there.

Did you perform the voltage test to verify no electrolysis? PWR instructions say to do this. Curious if C&R has same instructions (should).

I'll have to remove the under tray to get to the allen bolt. the C&R didn't come with any instructions. I only installed it. Did a vacuum test then filled with coolant.

 

[BlinkerBeat]

@Milktealord I understand the pain. I know I'll get rock chips but don't want to cause any undue damage. When I get the I/C installed this weekend I'll check if the lower 2 bolt can be accessed without them removing the bumper

 

[fatherpain]

This is the additional instruction that came the PWR race radiator

 

[BlinkerBeat]

This is the additional instruction that came the PWR race radiator

Hum. Nothing like that from C&R. Just a radiator in a (well packaged) box. I played it fast and loose. I drained the old coolant, installed the radiator, vacuum tested the system then vacuum filled to ensure no air pockets. My car has 4,500 miles. Hopefully there are not shorts and the coolant should be relatively clean.

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