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Topic: Radiator cleaning and cover removal (Read 545 times) previous topic - next topic

Radiator cleaning and cover removal

as part of my overall Coolant system flush/hose replacement I also wanted to clean the externals of the radiator and other cooling coils in the area. I removed the large rubber flap that is under all of that area and a small forest fell out. Looking up I see quite a bit of crud and whatever in/around through all of the coils. They definately need a cleaning/rinsing/blowing etc

Before I go stumbling through and taking forever to figure out how to remove the external rear fender/radiator cover would anyone be willing to share the best way to remove that cover? at first glance screws all around the perimeter with many probably being under the RV seam trim? Fins appear to be riveted in probably from OEM...would just drilling those, remove the fins, clean and resintall with screws be a sufficient approach?

Thanks, Mike
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Radiator cleaning and cover removal

Reply #1 –
So I had looked at fender skin removal and with all my trim painted I thought for sure the outer aluminum strip would be damaged. Cleaning the moisture collecting junk out is a good PM IMO. also kinda scared I won't like what I may find, however better to know and resolve or prevent. The fins I drilled rivets out and installed blind nuts. Use 10/32 screws. 
Scott

Re: Radiator cleaning and cover removal

Reply #2 –
DSD, are you referring using "Rivnuts"?
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Radiator cleaning and cover removal

Reply #3 –
Quote from: master2301 –
DSD, are you referring using "Rivnuts"?

I actually riveted in floating nut plates. Leaves a smaller hole in center to crack, however now you have three holes but two are only 3/32

Re: Radiator cleaning and cover removal

Reply #4 –
Scott,

thanks for the reply, and was sort of my plan if I went that way.  Although on ours that areas trim is only white, sounds like probably the best way to avoid any trim damage would be to do the fin approach.

Mike
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Radiator cleaning and cover removal

Reply #5 –
My Radiator grill is held in with fender clip nuts and stainless Allen head bolts  maybs 4 mm or 6-8. 32nds don't remember
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country
 

Re: Radiator cleaning and cover removal

Reply #6 –
thanks for the feedback the approach I plan to go with rather than the entire fender section approach.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918