Changing the radiator for the first time

[Robdude]

Hello all,
I'm getting ready to change the radiator in my '05 1.6 Hdi. A leak was noticed at the last MOT and it's getting to be a bit of a pain. The local parts shop has quoted £57 for a new radiator, so I thought I'd go for it.
Not having done this previously, are their any pitfalls I should be looking out for? :eek:

[Ol'Jeffers]

Removal/refitting is fairly easy.
When the new rad. is in you must make sure that you bleed the system to
prevent any airlocks.

[geoff]

Don't forget the anti freeze at 50%

[Robdude]

Thanks Ol' Jeffers. I'm not really clear on how that's done. I assume their must be some sort of bleed valve, but where?

---

Cheers Geoff, I'll be sure to get some anti freeze in when I buy the radiator. I'm glad you mentioned it, I hate having to make more trips to the parts shop than is necessary.

[Ol'Jeffers]

Here you go Rob....have a read here:

http://www.berlingoforum.co.uk/showthrea...leed+valve

[Robdude]

Thanks for the link Ol' Jeffers. Completely answers my question. I haven't had a look at mine yet. It's gone dark, cold and crappy up here in the Northwest so I'll wait until tomorrow morning to have a look. The radiator is supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to this getting under way. It's probably a good thing I have all of next week off... I can see Christmas Day rolling around and the radiator still not being in. :censored:

[geoff]

The hardest part of a radiator change for the man on the street is the removal of the hose clips unless you have the correct tool to do so. A Mole grips is a good way to hold open the clips as a second best.

[Robdude]

Thanks Geoff, I'll keep that in mind. Having dealt with these types of clips before, I know how difficult they can sometimes be. Would I be better off getting some regular type hose clamps rather than messing around with the ones Citroen have installed?

[geoff]

If you can get them off then there is no reason to not put them back on, as much as I prefer the Jubilee clip for it's convenience I have to concede that the current type automotive hose clips are better in service as they tighten more evenly and don't cause localised damage like a Jubilee can.

[Jed Clampit]

Stick to the same clip's if you can they are sprung to the right pressure a jubilee you can over tighten