97 Q45t Radiator replacement

[srwood1]

Getting ready to replace my leaking radiator with a KOYO. 177,000 miles. Is this a pretty straightforward job? Also, where are the drain bolts on the engine block? I'd like to do a complete purge and replace with extended-life anti-freeze.

Thanks, srwood1

[elwesso]

honestly I wouldnt worry about draining the block, ive heard horror stories from people taking them out and them snapping off and such...

Whenver I drain the radiator, I personally just undo the lower hose and let the floodgates out.... Nice thing is I just let it spill on my driveway and then hose it off...

I think the hard part will be getting the hoses off for the transmission cooler and snaking it out. Other than that, its just 2 mounts on the top holding it on. you MAY have to take the fan shroud off or the fan, but Im not sure. Normally they make a removable thing that lets you take the radiator out without removing the shroud.

[Skibane]

IIRC, the radiator won't come out without the shroud - and the shroud won't come out without the fan.

New belts, hoses (and maybe a water pump, fan clutch and plastic fan) wouldn't be bad items to also replace either, while you're in there.

+1 on leaving the block drain bolts alone. Not only are they a PITA to get to, but you'll have one hell of a mess as soon as they're off!

[srwood1]

Replaced it in an evening's time without a hitch. Replaced the thermostat & the crossover hose at the same time (I replaced the other hoses along with the knock sensors a couple months earlier), but decided to wait on the water pump. If I'd only known how easy it is to remove the shroud, replacing the belts would have been a lot easier!