Radiator removal help?

[Guest]

Okay, I'm sure the issues I'm having are either a result of sleep deprivation, spending all day fixing up another bike, or just plain being slow.

So, I'm trying to remove the radiator to do the poorboy conversion. I've never messed with radiators before as I've always had air cooled bikes. Anyhow, I must be making this more difficult than it needs to be. Let me explain what I've done and I eagerly await what I SHOULD have done. This is for an '84 Gl1200 standard.

Removed lower radiator bolts. Removed hose connecting radiator to overflow container. Removed the top of the two clamps at the hose at the bottom of the radiator. Tried to wiggle the hose off. Failed to wiggle the hose off. Tried to catch leaking coolant in milk jug. Failed, for the most part, to catch coolant in the milk jug. Put clamp back on, widened mouth of milk jug with pocket knife, put milk jug under radiator to catch final drips, cleaned hands, typed for help on internet.

This seriously can't be the pain in the butt that I'm making it, can it? Is there an easier way for me to get this fluid out? Are there tricks to get the hose off easier?

Any and all help appreciated. I'd like to get this bike running this weekend, if possible.

[roscoepc]

Easy way???? Cut the hoses!!!! :mrgreen: Then replace with one of these:

Radiator Hose: (Cut in half to make 2 hoses)

NAPA – 7733
Gates – 21008
CarQuest - 21029 (made by Gates)

I think there's a drain plug by the bottom hose but I'm not sure. When I drained mine I used the same pan I use to drain the oil with.

Good Luck!!!!!

[Guest]

Thanks, Rosco. When you did this did you cut the top and bottom hoses off, or just the top one. I haven't started to mess with the top one yet. If so, were you able to bend half the hose you bought for the bottom one to make it work for the top?

Thanks again for the help. I will gladly slice and dice that booger off tomorrow.

[SIR tricky]

It can be a pain to get the hoses off, that top one especially.

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I have never had to cut the hoses off yet but if not careful you can take skin off

You can replace the lower hose with the a straight piece of the same diameter from your local auto shop.

When installing the external alternator the rad is tilted and the lower hose is then not at the correct angle but it isn't an insurmountable problem.

I undo the thermostat housing bolts the hose and housing will come off with the rad. then you can either replace the hose or loosen the housing and pull the tube out of the hose a little to allow for the difference in the angle.

You probably will have to trim the blades on the fan to prevent fouling on the belt. Just the out corner of the blades.