Overheating - Radiator Problem Solved (Story and Pictures)

New 09/30/2004

Well-
I had to change my SAI pump on my 96.(Took 1 1/2 hours)
It's been running a little hot since I put in the new motor. Wish I had pulled the radiator when everything was apart while the motor was out but Oh Well.
Anyhow - I made a nifty tool and test flew it tonight after the SAI pump made me take down the valance and airdam.
I took an old #10 file comb brush and tacked it to a long skinny steel bar - 1" wide by 1/4" thick by 36" long. Around this I made a makeshift "Halo" of 5/16" tubing with several small holes poked in the perimeter. I ran this tubing back down the bar and to an air fitting, holding it in place with tywraps down the bar. Airfitting went into a blowgun with 1/8" pipethread.
I loosened the 10mm nuts which hold the lower condenser mounts to the radiator and put small wedges between the condenser and radiator.
I brushed up and down over every square inch of radiator while blowing ~100PSI through the tubing "Halo" with the blowgun. The junk dislodged was amazing! I swept up about 1 full dustpan full that fell on the floor under the car - probably half again more blew all over the garage. I put a lighter in the dustpan just to add some scale to the picture.
I'll get back with temp readings after I drive the car for a few days.

Regards
Eric Lehmann
97 Ebony - welded
97 Toreador Red # 285 - welded
96 Willow Green # 326 - welded
91 Jade Plus SHO-fa

Brush Front Brush in Action Sideview

Dustpan Evidence

Note the Lighter to give scale

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Ryan, I, and an unamed member from the left coast can attest to how important this is going to be as our GIII's age. Yes it's a PITA to drop the radiator, if asked Eric, Ryan, and I will tell you simply it's an all day job. Figure get up at sun up, start the car at sundown. You won't be disappointed in the results of performing this PM on your cooling system. Beats changing and engine/tranny.

U.L

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