Radiator swap out for 04 xc70

jasondaven · Post by **jasondaven** » 03 Jul 2008, 18:43

Hello!

I need some help with a radiator swap out on my 04 xc70. I have found a replacement radiator but I am looking for a general description of how to do the job. I have removed all of the lower shrouds and can see the leak at the plastic aluminum interface at the lower right hand corner of the radiator.
I am pretty sure that I need to back off the fan and drop the radiator from the bottom. How do I remove the oil lines into the radiator. They have green plastic insert clips on them. I dont want to tweek them and break them if I need to reuse them. Also what is the best way to refill the radiator once installed? Through the upper resivoir? There is no cap on the top of the radiator. Any help here would be great! Thanks alot!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Jul 2008, 20:05

Grab the clasps, and squeeze them, then take the connector and push them into the radiator and then pull out. They should dislodge pretty easily. Yes you are correct that the radiator has to come out the bottom. Be careful not to pull out the A/C accumulator and A/C coil with it. It will unbolt from all of this before you take it out...however the intercooler will come out with it so make sure to disconnect the turbo hoses first.
Good luck!

jasondaven · Post by **jasondaven** » 09 Jul 2008, 22:37

When replacing the radiator will I need to top off the transmission fluid from loss when removing the lines from the radiator? Also what is the best way to fill up the radiator? Sounds stupid but do you fill from the resivoir as there is no radiator cap on the radiator. Thanks!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Jul 2008, 06:27

You will lose very little transmission fluid. Just wrap the hose ends with some plastic wrap or something and a rubber band while disconnected. Yes, the radiator is filled via the over-flow tank. The way to refill is to put as much coolant in the tank as will fit...since it is the high point, gravity will help fill much of the radiator from there...then turn on engine, turn on heat and allow the thermostat to open and the heater coil under the dash to take in fluid (probably 10-15 minutes)....massage the larger radiator hose and keep filling the expansion tank until it's at the high mark. After you think you've got it all filled let the car sit and rest and you'll see where the level has gone down for you to top it off again. Good luck.