I am having to replace the radiator today. From what I have heard it can be quite a booger. How much of the front has to be removed in order to accomplish this task. Does anyone have the quick 1-2-3 suggestions that will make this task less painful for a novice mechanic? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sorry for the double post. My computer is acting a little wacky this morning.

 

If it's like most Civics, just take the two brackets off the top corners and lift the radiator out the top. You may need to remove the fans first and/or push the A/C lines back some (but don't disconnect) if the car has A/C.

 

Obviously if you have never tried to remove a radiator on a 1986 civic,,,,,pack a lunch and clear your day. I'm sure if you are a mechanic on a regular basis then spending 1 to 2 hours on this would be average. However as a novice it turned into over 4 hours. I had to completely remove the front bumper, nose piece between the head lights, ac condenser, and then maneuver it out from the front. I have replaced radiators in plenty of cars but this was by far the most extensive tear down to do this job that I have ever done. Now I'm tired, dirty, and need a nap...........

 

Obviously if you have never tried to remove a radiator on a 1986 civic,,,,,pack a lunch and clear your day. I'm sure if you are a mechanic on a regular basis then spending 1 to 2 hours on this would be average. However as a novice it turned into over 4 hours. I had to completely remove the front bumper, nose piece between the head lights, ac condenser, and then maneuver it out from the front. I have replaced radiators in plenty of cars but this was by far the most extensive tear down to do this job that I have ever done. Now I'm tired, dirty, and need a nap...........