replacing radiator

[Hanover13]

i am replacing my radiator tomorrow (it finally got here) and i was wondering if there is anything i should look out for? i have a 97 av6 accord, and it looks just like a simple replacement. i just take out my old one, which looks relatively easy, and throw in the new one, anyone with experience with this? please give feedback, thanks.

[schmitey]

Don't know about the v6 but i just replaced the hoses on my 2.2 VTEC. What a pain in the ass! I would really recommend finding some hose clamps (the type you tighten with a screwdriver) or something, the stock springy clamps are a pain to grab onto with pliers. Especially on the lower hose where I was already on my back to get to it.

Also I've found on Hondas nothing is THAT EASY. The easier it looks the longer it takes, or maybe its just me and Murphy's law. Replace the hoses while you're at it too!!!

[AccordCodger]

Don't forget to bleed the system afterwards.

[Hanover13]

how do u bleed the system? i am gonna do a search to try to figure it out, as i am now getting ready to start replacing it

[AccordCodger]

There's a bleed valve next to the thermostat housing. More than that I can't tell you -- haven't done it myself, just told it has to be done.

[schmitey]

Yeah follow the upper radiator hose and it should be right there (looks like a brake bleeder). That little thing will save you so much time. You can drain and fill your radiator in seconds rather than having to wait for the air to bubble out.

Also I HIGHLY recommend flushing out your system with a cleaner since you'll be replacing coolant anyways. Hondas use a hollow block with basically a cylinder sleeve surrounded by coolant, even though you drain the coolant a large amount will remain in the block. To get this coolant out you have to remove the plugs in the block, don't know where exactly they are on the v6 but I know it has them. It's kinda overkill but if you want to do it right that's the only way.