The radiator in my daily 2002 coupe decided to call it quits the other day. I decided to pick up the Mishimoto replacement on eBay because it's all aluminum and their warranty means I won't have to buy another rad again.

Has anyone replaced a rad in a newer civic? I'm wondering if it's something I can do in my garage with a few tools and a couple hours on Sunday... or is it more complicated than that? I'm not a master tech but I have done basic bolt-on installs before. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

you shouldnt have any problems changing radiators, its a simple exchange, now since you got it from ebay you may have a few fitment problems but yet you may not, ive bought a few radiators already from radiatordealz on ebay and have had good quality parts from them.

 

drain the fluid out of the old one, remove it, install the new, put fluid in the new one, bleed the system and your ready to do. Basic tools are all you need. You might want to replace you radiator hoses while your at it.

Buy a haynes manual at your local auto parts store, it will be even more help

 

It's a basic bolt on. Should just lift out the top after disconnecting the hoses and removing the top brackets. I think you can leave the fans attached and transfer them to the new rad out of the car. Do not disconnect any air conditioner lines. If your transmission is automatic there are transmission fluid lines to the radiator, and you will need an automatic type radiator with the fluid cooler.

Use new coolant to refill. You will need to purge the system of air by running the engine with the cap off and topping up the radiator if necessary. Car should be parked on a level or slightly uphill surface so the radiator neck is the highest point.

 

Wow, thanks for the info everyone. When I do the refill and "purge" the system, should i fill it as high as it will possibly go?

 

Yes. Fill the radiator to the brim. As the engine warms up it will start to overflow. Put the cap on at that point and leave it alone. Fill the plastic tank about half-full.