[dleccord]

there's an old leak at one of the connections on my existing heater return hose which is causing me to lose coolant that required me having to top off my expansion tank every 3 months.

recently, i discovered a cracked on the radiator so im going to replace the radiator soon.

so....how difficult is it to replace the heater return assembly (image below) - looks like the nuts that bolt this assembly to the frame of the car is hard to reach?

[Tyc0]

They are hard to reach but are definitely accessible. They are on top of the subframe where the steering rack mounts. I would imagine you could swap this part in around 2-3 hours if you are already familiar with the thermostat side of things.

[feuer]

Just that little screw above the power steering pump can take 2-3 hours lol Mechanics usually break it off if that line is leaking already.

[ab987]

Originally Posted by dleccord

there's an old leak at one of the connections on my existing heater return hose which is causing me to lose coolant that required me having to top off my expansion tank every 3 months.

recently, i discovered a cracked on the radiator so im going to replace the radiator soon.

so....how difficult is it to replace the heater return assembly (image below) - looks like the nuts that bolt this assembly to the frame of the car is hard to reach?

If you do end up replacing this and have the clip that secures it to the thermostat, I will pay you shipping to send it to me I have a pink paperclip bent into the shape for the last 6 months and you can't buy them separately

[ab987]

Originally Posted by feuer

Just that little screw above the power steering pump can take 2-3 hours lol Mechanics usually break it off if that line is leaking already.

I have never had issues with a 1/4 getting that one off, it's a bit awkward and you definitely can't see what you're doing but there are waaaaay worse bolts (inlet bolt comes to mind)

[feuer]

Originally Posted by ab987

I have never had issues with a 1/4 getting that one off, it's a bit awkward and you definitely can't see what you're doing but there are waaaaay worse bolts (inlet bolt comes to mind)

I agree, if you work on cars professionally or at least often, have tools and experience, you can get it done, but if you are novice that little screw will give you hard time. On my personal car I have aux coolant radiator there and only access is from the bottom with a little stubby wrench.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by ab987

If you do end up replacing this and have the clip that secures it to the thermostat, I will pay you shipping to send it to me I have a pink paperclip bent into the shape for the last 6 months and you can't buy them separately

I think that I have clips like this. Probably few.

[ab987]

Originally Posted by feuer

I agree, if you work on cars professionally or at least often, have tools and experience, you can get it done, but if you are novice that little screw will give you hard time. On my personal car I have aux coolant radiator there and only access is from the bottom with a little stubby wrench.

Ouch, that's irritating. Just took mine out about an hour ago and it's a pain, the front one seemed even more annoying with the water pump in the way

[ab987]

Originally Posted by feuer

I think that I have clips like this. Probably few.

That would be a life saver. I'm also missing an EV1 clip on the starter if you have one of those lying around

[feuer]

Originally Posted by ab987

That would be a life saver. I'm also missing an EV1 clip on the starter if you have one of those lying around

I will take look tomorrow. I know I have an engine harness.

[ab987]

Originally Posted by feuer

I will take look tomorrow. I know I have an engine harness.

Really appreciate it thanks

[feuer]

Originally Posted by ab987

Really appreciate it thanks

Hey I looked and they aren’t in the garage. They are in my storage. Planning on going there in a week.

[ab987]

Originally Posted by feuer

Hey I looked and they aren’t in the garage. They are in my storage. Planning on going there in a week.

No problem at all, I don't plan on taking it apart again quite yet. Thanks again