A radiators sole purpose is to transfer heat from the engines antifreeze and, if equipped with an automatic transmission, from the transmission fluid. The radiator accomplishes this by passing the fluid through a number of copper or plastic channels, sometimes referred to as fins. Given enough time, these fins will become clogged with debris and the radiator will no longer be capable of removing the heat. Although the radiators used in Corvettes have gone through a number of minor internal design changes, replacing the radiator remains the same.
Instructions
- 1
Place a large drip pan underneath the radiator.
2Remove the radiator cap. Twist the petcock drain plug at the bottom of the radiator in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench, and allow the radiator fluid to drain into the drip pan.
3Loosen the hose clamps that secure the upper and lower radiator hoses to the radiator, using a standard screwdriver, then pull both hoses off the radiator.
4Trace the wiring harness from the center of the fan assembly to a plastic connection piece. The connection piece has a single tab on either side of the connection. Squeeze the two tabs toward the connection piece while simultaneously pulling the fan wires away from the connection. Remove the bolts that secure the fan assembly from the engine side of the radiator, using a wrench, then lift the assembly out of the engine compartment.
5Disconnect the two transmission cooler lines from the bottom of the transmission if the Corvette is equipped with an automatic transmission. These cooler lines route the transmission fluid to the radiator, where it is cooled, and then back to the transmission. Each line features an integral nut at the tip of the line. Twist each integral nut in a counterclockwise direction with a flare-nut wrench until loose. Do not use a traditional wrench, as it would likely damage the lines.
6Remove the radiators retaining bolts with a wrench, then lift the radiator out of the engine compartment. The number of retaining bolts differs, depending on the year of the Corvette, but the bolts are located around the perimeter of the radiator.
7Install the old petcock into the bottom of the new radiator with a wrench if a petcock was not provided with the replacement radiator.
8Lower the replacement radiator into place, then install the radiators retaining bolts with a wrench.
9Connect the two transmission cooler lines to the bottom of the transmission, using a flare-nut wrench, if you Corvette has an automatic transmission.
10Bolt the fan assembly to the engine side of the radiator with a wrench. Connect the assemblys wiring harness to the main wiring harness by pressing the two connections together until both tabs click into place.
11Slide the upper and lower radiator hoses onto the radiator, then tighten the clamps on the end of each hose with a standard screwdriver.
12Pour antifreeze into the radiator through the radiator cap opening until the radiator is full, then tighten the radiator cap. Note that some antifreeze manufacturers require their product to first be mixed with water, so always consult the product label before filling the radiator.
