dumb question du jour

yall know im in the midst of replacing my water pump. i decided to try to work around the AC, and leave it connected.
i did find there is still pressure in the system, so that leads me to believe i should leave it until i decide whether or not it should be salvaged.

but the dumb question..

the radiator fan bolts. do they loosen "clockwise" instead of counter?
those bolts are tight, and the fins on my radiator are really roughing up my knuckles.
im getting really pissed, as im getting nowhere but bloody.
that radiator looks brand new, and if im forcing those bolts the wrong way, trying to get them off...
i could do as much damage to the radiator as im doing to my poor knuckles.
ford sure didnt leave me much room to work with.

did they think that their waterpumps and thermostats on smallblock V8's would never need replacing?
that has to be the lousiest design ive ever seen on any engine.

 

Roadrage; I replaced my water pump a few months ago, and by far the best way is to take the radiator out. The spacer makes it hard to get to the bolts, and the bolts are too long to come out of the spacer without taking the radiator out. Also, this gives you much more room to move around.

Earl

 

having fun yet???

Bolts turn counter clock wise to unscrew. Since you drained the cooling system just pull the radiator. Take it and have it serviced while you have it out also. Replace all fanbelts, you have them off anyway, and the hoses. It's apart now and unless they're relatively new they could be next too. AC can be unbolted from the base and moved out of the way.
If you think these are bad, try one of the new cars.

 

D. D. J. #2

okey doke,
the radiator must come off.
obviously i will have to remove the transmission lines beneath.
is a flare wrench or special tool required?

and how much leakage can i expect? i mean, does it just shoot out about 8-10 oz of fluid and stop?
do i necessarily need to cap it, or is the leakage minimal?

thanks

rr

 

Minimal leakage of tranny fluid. I would use line wrenches. Be careful not to twist them off.

 

a good trick to keep your skin on your knuckles is to put a piece of cardboard over the radiator while your working on the fan and pump. Helps protect the radiator too.