Radiator removal DIY

[Blackjetvette97]

Hi all,
Preparing to tackle this replacement procedure(Radiator and Expansion tank) myself. Questions for those who've done it............

1) After draining fluid out of radiator, is it also NECESSARY to drain block coolant as well if I am just switching out Rad/Exp tank and reusing existing coolant(that is only like 3 months into use, so pretty much new)?

2) What becomes of the upper/lower/exp tank hoses when you remove them from Rad/Exp tank.......Do they just hang there from connections at other ends(should I support them somehow?)?.......Do they leak/drip coolant all over engine?.....Do they have lots of leftover coolant if block not drained?

3) how do you "remove" rivet(and without breaking it, since I assume it is DAYUM plastic)? can I get to it from behind and push it out as well as prying from front?


I have looked at everything in there and familiarized myself with it all. Splash Shield is removed. Removed shroud and laid it back/over fan, out of way already once. Got Shroud back into place and on easily after experimenting with removal and setback. Have looked at the oil cooler underneath and am familiar with rivet and torx screw.....Was just freaked out a bit upon thought of messing with it(thought it attached via a hose or something, so I'd be dealing with fluid and connections down there too) until I read X5Cat's post(THANK YOU for that!)

Any more help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

And this should DEFINITELY be a sticky in DIY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Steve