TN Members. I really need your help - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Structureboy · 03-30-2003, 04:59 PM

This involves a radiator replacement for a 3vzfe autotranny camry. If you've ever replaced your radiator, or come into contact with the tranny lines and radiator hoses please respond.

I've got some questions, especially for gen 3 owners.

I'm mid-way through the process of replacing the radiator. I've removed the 6 nuts that attach the motor shroud to the radiator. I've removed the coolant line to the radiator top and the top radiator hose.

here's my problem:
If anybody, if anybody, whose tried to work in the bottom of their engine bay knows that this is true b*tch to work on. I'm having trouble gaining enough access to the lower rad hose and tranny lines (lack of space thereof). I've already removed the splash guards on the bottom of car to gain beter access to the tranny lines and rad hoses, but either way you look at it- top or bottom; it still requires a contortionists' effort to manipulate your hands to remove the freakin hoses and lines. I'm wondering, to those who've actually been able to replace them (WITHOUT the aid of jackstands) how did you do it? I've been thinking about seriously cutting the rubber lines and just buying new ones to replace it (but that wouldn't be very cost-efficient). I have a few pliars to use, but, working either way- you have little hand access to the bottom of the engine.

In addition, I haven't been able to remove the entire motor shroud either. I removed the pressure hose from the motor (and saw a lot of fluid) and have tried to remove the return hose but have't been able to. I just want to be sure that the return hose is placed in with a fat hex-nut mounted vertically. I'm sure that if I'm able to remove the nut that holds the return hose in- i'd be able to get better access to the bottom of the radiator.

Finally, the new koyo radiator I bought doesn't have a little rad. cap or whatever that supposed to be ont he radiator. I know that for the v6 camrys, the radiator cap was next to the engine block instead of on the radiator (as with the inline 4s). I've attached a file to show you what I mean by my new radiator is missing this thing. I'm assuming a radiator cap(additional) fits there- but want to be sure. It appears that all koyo rads. come like this so- it's not like I was robbed.the new rad. has an empty hole where this is- what do I cover it with?

Thanks.

Structureboy · 03-31-2003, 12:26 PM

Hmm...so few people wanting to help. I know I'm not the first one on this board to attempt to change his radiator...

Tex97 · 03-31-2003, 05:41 PM

If I knew how to help, I'd drive up there and do it

Someone here has got to have some advice, maybe you could ask a shop in the area?

rezzle · 04-01-2003, 02:12 PM

Only way to get underneath 'without' jackstands that I know of is to use a hoist or ramps.

Nick · 04-01-2003, 02:23 PM

you can't get to the bottom of the rad?? take out the entire fan assembly, then you can get to the bottom, you don't need jackstands, you can use a bunch of logs, cinder blocks, hell jackstands are like 30$ cdn a pair

get under there and detatch anything touching the rad,

where's that file?? i don't see it

Structureboy · 04-01-2003, 04:54 PM

Appreciate the replies

oldman- I understand that you're supposed to disassemble the entire fan assembly to get to the bottom of the radiator. My question was the return hose that leads away from the fan assembly seems to be connected in a peculiar manner. I have everything of the fan assembly disassmebled, but I can't get off the return hose. I'm wondering if you have to remove all the hex nuts in circular around the fan to remove the return hose, or is there a way to remove just the return hose (a nut holding it in?) cuz it sure as heck isn't just a clamp.

rezzzle- unfortunately, I have neither on hand. But i'll be sure to keep it in mind next time.

tex97- I might try asking some shops in the area, but most llikely will bug the toyota dealer mechanics.

as for the attached file- ignore it. I called the toyota dealer yesterdray and talked with him about what was missing on the radiator. I need a separate radiator cap, plus a plastic black cap to hold the radiator cap over the rad. Essentially, the v6 camrys had 2 radiataor caps (so he said). The cap over the engine block is sort of a "sub-radiator cap" Anyways, my question was answered.

I borrowed some fatter pliars to try and remove the clamps on the hose and tranny lines. But it's the stoopid return hose of the motor that is in the way.

Geez... camry V6s, the inline 4 hondas are nowhere this cramped to work on.

rezzle · 04-01-2003, 04:59 PM

Can you take a pic of the hose connection, maybe if someone sees it, the image may spark an idea or two.

Structureboy · 04-02-2003, 02:27 PM

red- denotes the question about radiator cap (see above posts)
blue- denotes the return hose from the fan assembly (see above posts as well). how to remove?

http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...798_8_full.jpg

Nick · 04-03-2003, 08:51 AM

what's so complicated about the fan return? just take that bolt off

and if that "rad cap" is supposed to come off it should be in the haynes manuel