I have a 1992 245 and I am in need of a new radiator, I have a slow coolant leak....I checked with my mechanic..who does a great job. He said it would be 2 hours of labor...at $70hr...and the radiator would be something like $350?? + putting a thermostat in, all this seems expensive to me.

I have looked online and have found radiators from $150 and up. I am using the green/blue volvo coolant. Is this a job I can handle myself? any advice would be great.

Thanks -

I'll agree with the others that it is a pretty easy job to do. I did mine a year or two ago. I got a nice new all metal radiator from my local radiator shop for $125 with lifetime guarantee. Took me a couple of hours to put it in along with new hoses and thermostat. I say go for it yourself. If you run into any problems just drop a note to the board.

Mike Brown
Greenville, NC
1986 244 137K
1996 965 105K
--
Mike Brown Greenville, NC 1996 965 94K 1986 244 137K

I can safely say that I could remove and replace the radiator and thermostat in my 240 in less than an hour. I probably have more experience than you, but it's definitely doable by a DIYer. It sounds like your mechanic is planning on making a boat payment just off your job.

You can buy a new radiator for $80 including shipping from radtechworldwide.com. A new thermostat and seal should cost you about $10 (the ones AutoZone sells are German made). When you have the time, find a mechanic who doesn't have such an urgent desire to screw you over.
--
1991 245, 61k miles, looking for a 5 speed 92-93 245 cheap.

Get the best radiator you can - there's been some recent debate on which is best.


Drain coolant into container - throw away where animals won't get it.

Remove all hoses and trans ATF cooling lines.

Oh - this is too long - check the FAQs, you'll get a lot of good info there, in addition the what your shop manuals (Haynes or Bentley) will tell you.

Put in a new thermostat, they're inexpensive. Refill with new coolant - green antifreeze 50/50 with steam distilled water.

Allow a half day, should take less.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

This job really isn't that hard, but then again this depends on your skill level. I'm pretty new to DIY and I have been working on my car for about two years and I replaced my radiator, thermostat, and hoses last summer in about 4 hours for not that much money. I think It all together costed $200 and it was kind of fun.

Charles 1985 245ti 138K

I do not see why replacing the radiator/flushing the system would be too difficult for a DIY mechanic to do himself. Take off hoses, take out thermostat, flush block with water, install new hoses and radiator, fill up system, install new thermostat and gasket, and then run engine till warm and top off. Also remember to have the heater lever to the HOT side to get everything out of the heater core. Where are you located? I have a Nissen 2-Row radiator for sale with less than 1K on it. Good Luck!

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 122K

Features Added:

BW55 To M46, Central Locking System, 25mm IPD Front Sway Bar, 81+ Dash W/ Oil & Ambient Temp Gauges In C, Oil Pressure, Volts

Next Project:

+Cruise Control