Author Topic: Radiator Install Question  (Read 4323 times)

steve1973

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Radiator Install Question
« on: October 17, 2016, 12:59:48 AM »
Hi All,
I tried by myself to install my radiator in my halftrack but ran into problems. I have no armor on right now so that isn't an issue but I do have the engine in. I put the fan blade on and ran safety wire through the bolts then tried to install the radiator and it didn't fit. I know the manual says to remove the fan blade and water pump to remove or install the radiator. When we did Don's radiator in Zelda he had the fan shroud off and was a pain to put back on. The only other option I can think of is to lift and move the engine back then carefully put the engine back. The last one is to much work at this point. Let me know if you have any ideas. I think the easiest will be removing the water pump. The fan will be a pain to reinstall in the radiator shroud along with trying to put safety wire through the bolts blind. ???

Steve A.

Outsider

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Re: Radiator Install Question
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2016, 04:42:50 AM »
FWIW, My opinion is to take the fan blade off. Then when reinstalling it use lock washers on the bolts and forget the safety wire.

Steve
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yd328

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Re: Radiator Install Question
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2016, 05:50:26 AM »
Steve,
I put mine in with the motor in and water pump on. I had the fan off. Iirc I "rolled" the fan into position from one side or the other. Another thought would be to not tighten the radiator down while its in place and tilt the rad forward for some extra clearance.

Gary

steve-0

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Re: Radiator Install Question
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2016, 04:11:41 PM »
i did the same thing as outsider suggests .. use grade 8 lockwashers

steve1973

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Re: Radiator Install Question
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2016, 05:58:30 PM »
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try it without the fan next time I'm at the shop.

Steve A.

Captain Dave

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Re: Radiator Install Question
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2016, 06:30:04 PM »
Just went through the same issue with my radiator on my M3 halftrack.  #1 As you stated, no armor, you need the room to work.  #2 Remove the fan, you can put it on and a line the bolts later #3 pick the radiator up from the mounting bolts on either side where the braces mount, I used a engine hoist centered above it.  #4  You have to pick it up this way so that you can swing the radiator forward and backward to get it installed.  #5 make sure the shroud is on  #6 Slowly lower the radiator into position, you will notice that the shroud will hit the front of the water pump where the fan mounts  #7 At this point, you need to tip the top of the radiator towards the back of the halftrack and pull the bottom of the radiator forward.  This should clear the water pump by about a 1/4 of an inch  This does take two people one on the hoist and one moving the radiator around.  #8  Slowly lower into position pulling it forward on the bottom lowering it into the mounting bracket.  I have used this technique about 1/2 dozen times, it works, take care.  Capt Dave