another radiator question

bill · Post by **bill** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 9:12 am

I am going to replace my 1600 radiator with a 2000 radiator which I have. Do I have to convert the thermostat housing also or can I just leave it on and fill it from the radiator cap.
Also Sid Raper mentioned mentioned drilling a hole in the radiator to "burp" it . Where would be the best place for the hole or would it matter?
Thanks
Bill

Post by **spl310** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 9:18 am

If you are installing a 2000 radiator, you can convert the thermostat housing fairly easily. A water neck from a 240Z or a 2000 Roadster will bolt on (you may have to open the bolt holes in the neck slightly - depends on a number of factors), but by doing that you eliminate 3 potential sources of leaks - the top plate gasket, the cap on the top plate, and the line from the head to the radiator. If you decide to keep the tower on the head with the cap there, then you will need to cap off the tube or have the radiator modified to have a T fitting rather than an L fitting. If you go with just the L fitting and cap the tube, then you will need to fill both the radiator and the head as there will be an air bubble above the thermostat if you dont. Personally, I think that the best answer is to convert to a conventional neck. Less headaches that way.

As far as the drilling of the hole, it is not that critical. Most thermostats have a small hole, and you could just open that one up a bit - or drill one elsewhere to give two bleed locations.

Post by **spl310** » Thu Jul 03, 2003 9:19 am

I just reread your post - you don't drill the radiator - if that is how my note read, I apologize. You drill the thermostat. With the stock tower setup on the 1600, you don't have to do it if you have a long screwdriver....