Coolant Smell After Driving and Temperature Gauge Reading

[richord]

I did the same thing, replaced the radiator without removing/disconnecting the AC condensor. It was a pain in the ass to get the old one out but the new one went in easier.

I just ended up breaking two tabs off the old radiator on the way out, and it came out a lot easier. It's comically tight, and there are just a few small things majorly in the way.

I finally got my radiator out yesterday without disconnecting the A/C condenser. I noted all the mounting screws and other fasteners as I found them and will post a picture with their location to help others. I took pictures as well to remined me what goes where.

After doing this I realized the way this is assembled, it was never meant to be taken apart, except as a complete assembly with all the radiators. Even the hose clamps were oriented in a way to make them inaccessible. I had to twist them around to access the tabs.

I replaced the belts and will replace all the hoses with the clamps in a position to make it easier maintain as I install the new radiator.

 

[scapistron]

You may want to consider changing out the idlers and tensioners while you are right there.

The slippery slope of the parts cannon can add up fast. In my mind, new belts equals new idlers and tensioners.

 

[richord]

You may want to consider changing out the idlers and tensioners while you are right there.

The slippery slope of the parts cannon can add up fast. In my mind, new belts equals new idlers and tensioners.

Thanks. I agree. I thought about changing them. I removed them, cleaned them and they appear to be in good shape. They spin freely and show no signs of vibration or play. My goal is to restore this vehicle to a point a can rely on it.

 

[Longtrail]

I had an idler pulley fail in the accessory belt system; it in turn caused me quite a few headaches with the damage that the belt did. The idler that failed was the one that is mounted to the back of the bracket. I strongly suggest you check this pulley on a regular basis; it stranded me with kids on a wet rainy night!

 

[richord]

After I did a pressure test, I found a leak in the radiator. It was the plastic side of the radiator that was leaking.

I bought a Nissen replacement radiator and decided to replace the belts and tensioners and fan as well as most of the coolant hoses. Some had been replaced when the previous owner had the crossover pipes replaced.

As I was disassembling, I took pictures and marked each bolt and fastener.

I removed the bumper and the skid plates, air intake boxes and pipes. I wanted to do this without evacuating the A/C system.

It was challenging to get the radiator out because the A/C condenser, super charger intercooler and power steering cooler are all sandwiched together with the radiator.

After I put everything back together, I pressure tested the system using just distilled water, I discovered a leak around the sensor that is part of the thermostat. All the moving around of the hoses I think must have caused the leak. I saw a video where a garage admitted that when disassembling these hoses, that are clipped together, the chances of a leak are to be expected. The O-rings will leak.

When I tried to remove the thermostat housing, I discovered the Torx screw that held it in place was seized. Of course, the Torx head stripped! Fortunately, the thermostat housing is plastic, so I broke the bracket off and was able to get a pair of vice grips around the Torx screw head and remove it. I've come to dislike Torx screws!

Just completed the replacement of the radiator. No leaks.

If anyone is planning on doing this and has questions, let me know.