Looking to see if I need to pick up a refrigerant recovery tank setup before doing a radiator replacement.

For those who have done a radiator remove/replace on a 1st gen BCGT, do you recall if the ac cooler/lines flex/pivot like some of the other coolers, or do they need to be removed? Any suggestions appreciated.

Sam

 

@sam08861

Hello Sam,
Here is a picture from when I first removed the radiator support back when I first started on my rebuild, the AC lines, power steering cooler lines, and the transmission cooler lines are all on the driver's side (LHD), all stayed connected, and flexed fine within their rubber hoses.

Johnny


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Bentley service manuals mention removing the core support frame bolts and replacing with longer 'studs ' to support the frame but be able to pull away from the front of the car to allow access and removal of the radiator, this could reduce any strain on any connections by simply allowing them to droop on the flexible hoses,

BB

 

Hello @BrakeBuster ,
I like the idea of using longer studs, it would be worth a try to get some threaded rod of the correct diameter and thread pitch, say maybe a foot long each, my only thought is that I don't recall the driver side hoses having that much slack to slide forward enough to work comfortably, but definitely enough to pivot the opposite side out.

But I will give it a try next time I am in there !

Thank you for the information !

Johnny

 

Thanks Johnny J J and BrakeBuster, appreciate the help!

 

The guide pins that VW specify can be found by googling "VW special tool 3411"

I made assembled my own:

 

Thanks Dark Green and all, pins ordered.

The 3411 style pins were very inexpensive as several ‘clones’ of the vw pin are available online from some of the vw/euro parts houses.