I've been reading up on the task of removing the radiator in a GV, looking for advice.
After our recent trip to Montana, I've noticed a small leak (drip) in the lower rear corner of the radiator in our U280. It appears to be where the core is attached to the side bucket.
I would like to remove the radiator myself and take it to a local radiator repair shop. If anyone has tackled this on a GV Unihome..... I'm all ears..... 🤷♂️
It looks to be quite a project to tackle.
Justin, when the side radiator was dropped out of my 2001, the air bags were at full height and blocked. The rear axle was jacked up another few inches to clear the raidator and the mount it is in.
You may want to put the rear wheels on a 6 inch set of ramps while it is driveable.
Justin.
Not really answering your question but, I removed our air cooler and that part was not a big thing. 3 of the 4 mounting tabs were broke so it was being held in place by the shroud. I think I would tackle the job if necessary.
Obviously pics and transmission jack.
I know the purists here will have a stroke: but I added some expensive stop leak a year ago. Works as designed
You may try tightening the header (where the tank meets the core), and adding some Barr's Leak. Did mine 8 years ago no leaks.
I used JB Weld to successfully patch a small leak in my 1981 Foretravel's rear radiator.
What effect does the Barr's stop leak have on the coolant filter?
Purists like to have a bank balance. Stop leak in medium cases, dose of cayenne pepper in small leaks and JB Weld to fix major damage.
A good sealer works wonders in a head gasket leak.
Pierce
That radiator is very heavy and I don't remember if the rear engine door is wide enough to get it out. On our ORED chassis which had a slightly smaller radiator I had to cut and remove the fiberglass below the radiator by the bumper to have enough room to tip it and then 2 of us lifted it up and out.
"That radiator is very heavy..." That's why I'm willing to pay someone who actually knows what he is doing (and is younger than me) to do the job. Might happen this fall when we make our annual donation to the Nacogdoches economy.
It appears that the fiberglass panel behind the battery door for the chassis batteries can be removed for access. This panel includes the radiator slotted opening. The CAC would be first to remove to access the radiator. Trying to determine if it can be removed out of the side or if it has to be lowered from the bottom.