radiator mount conundrum

[Anonymous]

Replaced radiator this weekend. During the swap-out, I noticed that my radiator mounts (in the radiator support) aren't square... i.e. the mount on the passenger's side of the radiator opening protrudes about an inch into the engine bay (towards the fan) and the mount on the driver's side is only about 1/2 an inch. The end result is that my radiator sits a bit cockeyed and is not square with the fan (or the rest of the radiator support).

Best as I can tell, the car has never had any serious front end damage. The passenger's fender took a hit at some point, but no frame/suspension damage (passenger's headlight/bucket got popped too). The radiator support does not look damaged/bent to my untrained eye.

Would some pics help describe what I'm seeing??

 

[fmartin_gila]

From what you are describing, I think you should install the radiator with some shims or something so you can snug it down without any twisting of the radiator itself. If you don't shim it to relieve the twisting, you are creating a problem on down the road. It may not leak right away, but the constant stress while going through the heating and cooling cycles will eventually cause the tanks to come loose or the mounts to break loose. Maybe this is what caused your need for replacement?
Fred

 

[woodbutcher]

I would check the front end of the vehicle carefully.Just in case for previous crash damage.Have the rad mount area properly straightened.
Reason:If you have a warrentee claim on your radiator,aqnd the vendor sees evidence of warping,kiss any help from the vendor goodby.
Leo

 

[Anonymous]

I didn't check for warping before I put the new radiator in, but the new radiator sat flush at all four mounting points before being bolted in. I didn't check the old radiator for warpage but I'll do that when I get home.

The radiator mounts are still square with each other... it's just that the driver's side mounts don't stick out as far into the engine bay.