- 1). Drain the coolant by turning the radiator petcock counterclockwise, then allow the coolant to drain into the drain pan. The coolant will drain faster if the radiator cap is taken off, as there is less vacuum when the coolant begins to flow.
- 2). Disconnect the radiator coolant hoses by pinching the hose clamps at the radiator nipples and working the hose off. Some models of Corvette could have screw-type hose clamps, which disconnect by turning their screws counterclockwise. Excess coolant will spill out into the drain pan.
- 3). Remove the fan and fan shroud by turning the bolts at the corners of the shroud counterclockwise, then lifting the shroud toward the top of the engine compartment. Later model electric fans will need to be unplugged from the wiring harness by pulling their plug adapters nearby. Older models with mechanical fans will not need to have the fan removed, and the fan shroud can simply rest against the engine, away from the radiator.
- 4). Remove the top mounting bolts by turning them counterclockwise, and remove any mount plates after the bolts come out.
- 5). Slide the radiator toward the top of the vehicle, and it will be removed.
- 6). Slide the new radiator into the existing guide channels, or place the bottom of the radiator at the center of the lower mount plate on older Corvettes. Replace the top mount plate to hold the radiator in position, if applicable, and secure the mount bolts by turning them clockwise into the mount plate holes.
- 7). Connect the upper and lower radiator hoses by working them onto the radiator nipples and restoring their hose clamps. Screw-type hose clamps can be turned clockwise; pinch-style clamps can be worked up the the nipple over the hose, then let go.
- 8). Reconnect the fan shroud by turning the corner bolts clockwise. Electric fans will need to be reconnected by pressing their adapter plugs together firmly.
- 9). Close the petcock, then fill the radiator with a proper mixture of coolant and water. Chevrolet Corvette radiators have a factory mixture level of 50-50, but can tolerate up to 70 percent water without corrosion.
- 10
Check the reservoir tank often for the proper coolant level.
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