'96 Grand Am SE 3.1L - Radiator Removal

[Jeff_B]

I've removed/disconnected all of the required parts (electric fan, trans cooler lines, hoses, fuse block, battery, etc.) and detached the condenser from the front of the radiator. I even removed the vacuum canister directly behind the bottom of the left tank. The radiator can be raised up about 6-8," but then it becomes jammed, because the lower molded hose stub on the right tank sits out beyond the side of the tank. In the installed position, the radiator opening widens to accommodate that hose fitting. That's OK if the radiator is installed without an engine in place, and you can just lower it down and push it forward into place. When you have to lift it straight up or slightly angled (to squeeze between the condenser and its attached refrigerant line), that protruding lower hose stub gets hung up, because the opening above it is narrower. At that point, the radiator becomes wedged, not budging a bit more. If the engineers had just designed the opening to have the same width top-to-bottom, there wouldn't be a problem lifting it up and out. Otherwise, the radiator could have been 3/4" narrower in width, and this wouldn't be a headache. I'd appreciate any suggestions for removing it without forcing it, because guiding in the new one will be the reverse procedure. I don't want to stress the new one and damage the tanks, their seals, and/or the core. Thanks.

[skibum1111]

Lift up on the driver's side first, it comes out at an angle. You might have to move the high pressure ac line on the passenger side, it will bend a little to accomodate the radiator passing by. Good luck, try not to break that line.

[indyram]

He's right start with the drivers side, it is a game of give and take. Loosen up the line and it will move a little better for you.