how can I get to the rad bottom hose?

[JimSuperSix]

Hello everyone,

finally got around to starting the removal of the head on my H reg Hilux Surf 2.4TD (after the little overheating and water boiling problem) and I'm following the instructions from this site, but I've had to bypass the draining the cooland system step as the bottom of the rad is completely hidden by another massive rad mounted almost horizontally, which we are guessing is the aircon rad?

So, how can I actually get at the main rad to drain the cooling system out? I can't see the bleed valve that's supposed to be on the bottom of the rad (there's a load of foam stuff stuck in there bewteen the two rads) and can't see the bottom hose at all due to all this extra stuff in the way.

Any ideas? I assume many Surfs have this huge second rad, but the instructions don't mention what to do with it.

Here's a picture of th front underside showing the rad -
http://www.jameskett.dsl.pipex.com/second_rad.JPG

Thanks very much
James

[Koi]

Hello everyone,

finally got around to starting the removal of the head on my H reg Hilux Surf 2.4TD (after the little overheating and water boiling problem) and I'm following the instructions from this site, but I've had to bypass the draining the cooland system step as the bottom of the rad is completely hidden by another massive rad mounted almost horizontally, which we are guessing is the aircon rad?

So, how can I actually get at the main rad to drain the cooling system out? I can't see the bleed valve that's supposed to be on the bottom of the rad (there's a load of foam stuff stuck in there bewteen the two rads) and can't see the bottom hose at all due to all this extra stuff in the way.

Any ideas? I assume many Surfs have this huge second rad, but the instructions don't mention what to do with it.

Here's a picture of th front underside showing the rad -
http://www.jameskett.dsl.pipex.com/second_rad.JPG

Thanks very much
James

Drain plug is passenger side of rad, with the underslung air con rads you need to access it via the wheel arch, slender arms and fingers required.

[JimSuperSix]

is there some access cover that I need to remove, as we had a really good look from all angles, including inside the wheelarch, but still couldn't see any sign of this bleed screw.

Am I looking for a tiny screw or a sump plug style thing?

[marky]

You should have a plastic Sump Guard as standard remove this first.

[JimSuperSix]

Sump guard? I've removed the large metal and plastic shield under the aircon rad - is that what you mean? It's mounted well forward though to protect the rad, not really under the sump.

[marky]

same type of thing. My aircon rad is behind main rad strange for a 2.4.
There should be a drain plug on the righthand side. Its a plastic one on mine.

[marky]

TRY THIS.
undo the retaing bolts on air con rad fitting brackets DO NOT REMOVE AIR CON PIPES you,ll lose all your gas and it,ll cost you about £70 to regass then lower air con rad as far as pipes allow after this you have anough room to remove auto box cooling pipes on bottom of main radiator i know this works been there and done it (hands looked liked i,d had a fight with cheese grater after )

[stimpy30]

TRY THIS.
undo the retaing bolts on air con rad fitting brackets DO NOT REMOVE AIR CON PIPES you,ll lose all your gas and it,ll cost you about £70 to regass then lower air con rad as far as pipes allow after this you have anough room to remove auto box cooling pipes on bottom of main radiator i know this works been there and done it (hands looked liked i,d had a fight with cheese grater after )

oy marky you know my replies are copy righted
legal action to follow

[stevo]

rad

If you remove the cooling fan and the cooling fan cowling you can get at the bottom hose and drain plug from above.
Cheers Steve.

[marky]

oy marky you know my replies are copy righted
legal action to follow

Your answers are soooooooo good i used the search facility

[stimpy30]

Your answers are soooooooo good i used the search facility

he he couldent help it hope youre ok mate realy looking forward to next time i can get out and se you all

[marky]

No worries DARREN you have pm mate. Tracy said hello

[Gizmo]

he he couldent help it hope youre ok mate realy looking forward to next time i can get out and se you all

If your answers are copyright, then I'll take your avatar back please LOL

Hows it going in the household...has the Stork been yet?

[marky]

If your answers are copyright, then I'll take your avatar back please LOL

Hows it going in the household...has the Stork been yet?

He said he will let us know ASAP.

[JimSuperSix]

thanks guys,

we have to take the fan off anyway, so we'll try getting at the bottom of the rad that way.

STEVO - looks like I'll be needing a new head + gaskets etc... for my Surf soon - would you be able to tell me what price they are, what is included and how soon they are available please? I'd like to fit one of the later modified heads (the ones that don't crack so easily).

thanks
James