radiator install

[6.5psi]

Background: I overheated my car due to fan not working and therefore it warped the stock plastic radiator top so the coolant overflow tank bubbles really bad.

Solution: buy a new radiator, preferably an all aluminum one.

Question: How hard is it to replace your radiator and what all is involved? also is this a good radiator to get https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) and will it fit since i have a front mount intercooler?

 

[hornsfan10609]

Mishimioto should work fine, it's easy to do. Drain the coolant remove the radiator hoses and the two 10mm nuts on the top brackets. Unbolt, unplug, and remove the fans and the rad should pull right out.

 

[6.5psi]

oh okay awesome thanks, and as far as filling it back up is there a special way? since the radiator coolant is pressurized or does it do it on its own?

 

[hornsfan10609]

It will pressurize itself, just pour slowly until it's full and allow all the bubbles to work their way out.

 

[Preferio]

After replacing, fill the coolant level up to the top in the radiator, turn your heat on high, allow to get to operating temperature with the cap off, have someone run the engine at 3,000 rpm while you top off the coolant and install the cap. I highly recommend replacing the radiator cap if a new one did not come with the new radiator.

 

[dmention7]

Unless I have been grossly misinformed, the Mishimoto radiators will require a set of P5 (or non-mazdaspeed???) radiator tablets. The top of the radiator will sit lower than the MSP rad, and the stock tablets won't hold it.

 

[hornsfan10609]

I believe that is true, regular protege or P5 radiator brackets for the top, I believe the bottom fits but i'm not positive on that.

 

[6.5psi]

ohh okay thanks alot. I ended up just buying another stock mazdaspeed radiator since i figured it wouldnt fit directly for the most part. just got it in the mail today. just gonna not let it overheat again. do yall have a reference for the best coolant to put in? they all do the same thing but just wanna know if theres any ones that stick out

 

[dmention7]

Those radiator brackets only cost about $10 each... I would've gone with a full width replacement since you have a front mount personally. And holy s***... I thought I got my radiator for a good price, but that price on amazon is pretty awesome.

 

[Preferio]

ohh okay thanks alot. I ended up just buying another stock mazdaspeed radiator since i figured it wouldnt fit directly for the most part. just got it in the mail today. just gonna not let it overheat again. do yall have a reference for the best coolant to put in? they all do the same thing but just wanna know if theres any ones that stick out

I use Advance Auto Parts, part number AF1100 at my shop.