Everytime i've looked up a video on replacing specific pieces, your channel has popped up.. Not too much talking, no annoying effects or music. To the point, subscribed and will be checking more out as i go about rebuilding my golf!
Thank you for subscribing... nice to hear that my videos keep popping up and that you watch them! If you can't find a video or if I don't have one of what you are looking for... let me know and I might be able to help via comments or emails.
The extension bolt suggestion is brilliant! I just did this project over the weekend and your tutorial was amazingly helpful! Thank you! Do you by chance have one on changing out the mkiv door lock actuators or have any comment on if aftermarket ones work well?
You only took the front end off to change the rad , not bad at all , I thought it was going to be a tough job. Ok Thomas for you birthday I was thinking of getting you a bigger drain pan.
About to be doing a cooling fan on a 24v vr6 Jetta this has been a hard video to find man. I know it's been years since you made it but, it's still extremely helpful.
Depending on which fan and the fan mounting, you may not have to move the radiator into service position... you might be able to lower the fan out the bottom of the engine bay. Moving the radiator into service position, will however provide a lot of room to work in.
@@EXOVCDS I've thought about doing that way I've seen it done on mk5 Jettas. It's the fan design where the face of the blade faces the motor instead of the radiator like most 4 cylinder Jettas. I'll try but Ill probably just slide the core support out on bolts gotta find and extremely small leak somewhere anyway.
@@glynch1263 Yes, it's a safer way to go (moving the core support)... because of the extra room. You should not have to disconnect any coolant hoses, if I remember correctly.
hi man its cristian from argentina. this sunday i change de radiator from my bora tdi. whit this video it took me just a cuple of hours. very good video and very helpfull. and your explanation is excelent.
Question hoping you can help! Same car here….mk4 2001 2.0 Question about the two flanges that go on upper and lower part of radiator. The radiator came with two o-rings that fit on the molded pipe coming off upper and lower part of radiator. When I’m putting the flange back on with o-ring inside of it I can’t get it to seat and it blew off on me today driving. It fits great without the o-ring. When I took old radiator out, don’t remember if o-ring was on there. I’m talking about the lower one with the drain. Thoughts? It almost seems overkill with the retainer clips but I’m unsure if those o-rings are supposed to go in the flanges or not. If you purchase the flange it doesn’t come with the o-ring.
Look carefully at the flange... the o-ring is probably still inside. It should sit in a groove. If you are placing an o-ring in the flange opening, instead of in the designated groove, then the flange won't click into place. You will only see the top of the o-ring if it is sitting in the groove correctly. The o-ring should already be in place, when you buy a new flange / hose.
Question, i am almost done putting the new radiator in and there is no connection on the new radiator for that round connector, is this something it needs to run?
On your other Jetta IV rad replacement you were able to unplug the fan thermoswitch plug from above without using a screwdriver to release the retainer clip. What is your trick? Incredible videos thank you.
Push the connector towards the sensor... pull back on the release tab with your thumb or other finger, then... pull the connector off of the sensor. For the most part, they should come off fairly easily. Thank you for watching!
@@EXOVCDS That makes too much sense. I always did the pick/screwdriver method myself, never thought of letting off pressure on those connections. Makes me miss the Mk3 metal clip connections lol. Btw, do you apply RTV between the flanges and radiator normally? Mine is leaking right away despite having the oring and locked in place with the clip. Trying to find info on it to no avail.
MKIV Jetta VR6 sloowwww leak. Can't find puddle. Wondering if it's leaking at the rad when it gets really hot and then boils off. Have to top up once a month, or twice if it's really hot out. In winter, every 2-3 months. Any idea of the lifespan of these radiators? Maybe after 19+ years it's shot? Hoses / clamps look fine, t-stat housing replaced / Stainless Crack Pipe. Anyone find a pinhole leak in radiator, perhaps along the welds? Pressure test didn't reveal a leak. Hmmm...
If there's a leak, it should be visible as long as there's enough antifreeze in the coolant mixture (to leave a trace / trail). If you are 100% sure there are no leaks, then the leak is internal (head gasket).
Nice detail-rich video, good job. I must say, quite a tedious job just to get the radiator out. I've done Mercedes and Nissan radiator replacements... They seem so simple compared to this :) fingers crossed I won't have to do this any time soon on my mk4.
M8x1.25 is the thread size & pitch (if I remember correctly). Most hardware stores will have a variety of length bolts that you can match to the threads.... 3 to 4 inches will do.
All depends on location. I have seen 30+ year old radiators (vanagon's) and I have seen some fail before they are 10 years old. Depending on how they fail... there may be an underlying cooling system issue. If it's due to environment, might be time to move. =)
Great video. I'm going to be helping a friend replacing a radiator on a 16 VW Jetta TSI. How similar is the procedure? He also damaged his trans pan, is that as simple as drain, drop and replace. Thanks in advance.
Not sure... I have not removed one on a 2016 before. The overall process is probably similar... but there probably are quite a few differences in the way things are mounted together / come apart.
I haven't watched the video since posting it... did I disconnect the battery in the video? Disconnecting the battery is always a good idea, if it's the first time you are doing something.
My mechanic is saying it’s going to take him 4 hours to replace my radiator on a vw Jetta. Is that accurate? 4 hours seems like a long time. Any advice?
I don't know what the "book time" is for that, but yes, it does seem a bit high. Check with a "European Specialty" shop in your area / give them a call. You can do a local search via the following link: iatn.net/repair Keep in mind that cheaper isn't always better. It could be that he buffered a bit of extra time (for the estimate) in case he runs into issues... most shops will charge less than the initial estimate, if things go better / quicker than expected.
Thanks for the video. My radiator will be here in a few days. Leaking from lower driver's side. Already pulling it apart before it gets here. It will definitely take me way longer than you. 😂
@@ilikeboost4764 A4/mk4 platform is 14 to 20 years old... working on a rust bucket doesn't make things easier and not the fault of the design / manufacturer. Finding a clean / rust free vehicle of that age is not easy and will definitely cost more to buy... but that in itself will make repairs easier (lack of rusty bolts).
Not sure how long it will run before things get affected. Cooling systems need some antifreeze / additives... to help protect the engine from running hot / overheating, lubricating components, cleaning / preventing corrosion from happening. The longer you wait... the more "flushing" you will have to do (to get things clean again) and the more of a risk you take, of things getting worse.
I don't have a complete flush video. Disconnect the lower radiator hose, one of the oil cooler hoses and one of the heater core hoses. Use a garden hose and force WATER (edited) into the heater core pipe that is exposed (not too much pressure), force WATER (edited) into the disconnected oil cooler hose and force WATER (edited) into the coolant reservoir bottle. That should flush the system enough.
no-so PRO TIP. Make sure you don't switch out the four screws going into the front of the radiator for the slightly longer ones! It's just enough to puncture the radiator tanks (black plastic) and really bum you out.
Can't tell if that was sarcasm or not. It's a simple radiator to replace... yes there are easier ones to replace... as there are more difficult ones. =)
I just swapped out my headlights last weekend so I have to do it twice now. Thanks for the tutorial. What's the sensor in the driver's side of the radiator called? My stock radiator didn't have an o-ring on that sensor but the new radiator has a plug that has an o-ring on it. Should I use the o-ring?
MCRideout The radiator fan switch usually has a copper washer under it. Some fan switches didn't use a seal / washer... i would not use an o-ring seal.
Excellent advice. I followed your video and successfully swapped out the radiator, thermostat, thermostat housing, fan switch, one of my fans, and the fan control module!
Everytime i've looked up a video on replacing specific pieces, your channel has popped up.. Not too much talking, no annoying effects or music. To the point, subscribed and will be checking more out as i go about rebuilding my golf!
Thank you for subscribing... nice to hear that my videos keep popping up and that you watch them! If you can't find a video or if I don't have one of what you are looking for... let me know and I might be able to help via comments or emails.
You do an incredible job in your videos; thank you from all of us!
Thank you and thank you for watching!
The extension bolt suggestion is brilliant! I just did this project over the weekend and your tutorial was amazingly helpful! Thank you!
Do you by chance have one on changing out the mkiv door lock actuators or have any comment on if aftermarket ones work well?
Thank you for watching!
Front door or rear door?
Aftermarket can be hit & miss.
finally a video that isn’t filmed on a potato with very little instructions. Thanks man!
Thank you for watching!
You only took the front end off to change the rad , not bad at all , I thought it was going to be a tough job. Ok Thomas for you birthday I was thinking of getting you a bigger drain pan.
A gynecologist would have removed it through the tail pipe!
Thomas EXOVCDS lmao
just want to double check i can pull a MarkV ( 2006 ) 1.9 tdi similarly before a i get started.. outstanding vid !!
Radiator is removed from inside the engine bay... no need to remove front bumper.
Remove radiator fan assembly and then the radiator.
About to be doing a cooling fan on a 24v vr6 Jetta this has been a hard video to find man. I know it's been years since you made it but, it's still extremely helpful.
Depending on which fan and the fan mounting, you may not have to move the radiator into service position... you might be able to lower the fan out the bottom of the engine bay. Moving the radiator into service position, will however provide a lot of room to work in.
@@EXOVCDS I've thought about doing that way I've seen it done on mk5 Jettas. It's the fan design where the face of the blade faces the motor instead of the radiator like most 4 cylinder Jettas. I'll try but Ill probably just slide the core support out on bolts gotta find and extremely small leak somewhere anyway.
@@glynch1263 Yes, it's a safer way to go (moving the core support)... because of the extra room. You should not have to disconnect any coolant hoses, if I remember correctly.
hi man its cristian from argentina. this sunday i change de radiator from my bora tdi. whit this video it took me just a cuple of hours. very good video and very helpfull.
and your explanation is excelent.
cristian toto Thank you... nice to hear that it went well! =)
Gonna take me about 3 hours to do my passat.
On my camry it takes 10 minutes with coffee break.
I'm sure you'll be able to do it under 3hrs! =)
Question hoping you can help!
Same car here….mk4 2001 2.0
Question about the two flanges that go on upper and lower part of radiator.
The radiator came with two o-rings that fit on the molded pipe coming off upper and lower part of radiator.
When I’m putting the flange back on with o-ring inside of it I can’t get it to seat and it blew off on me today driving. It fits great without the o-ring. When I took old radiator out, don’t remember if o-ring was on there. I’m talking about the lower one with the drain. Thoughts? It almost seems overkill with the retainer clips but I’m unsure if those o-rings are supposed to go in the flanges or not. If you purchase the flange it doesn’t come with the o-ring.
Look carefully at the flange... the o-ring is probably still inside. It should sit in a groove. If you are placing an o-ring in the flange opening, instead of in the designated groove, then the flange won't click into place. You will only see the top of the o-ring if it is sitting in the groove correctly. The o-ring should already be in place, when you buy a new flange / hose.
@Thomas do you have a video for adding coolant and or possible air bleeding the coolant system? Thank you
th-cam.com/video/JnTUr0SEJBw/w-d-xo.html
Was there any anti-freeze in the radiator? It looked awfully clear when you drained it.
Due to the leak... the customer just added water. I also added water to see where the leak was.
Peter Maniak I'm thinking the same. Looking like water .
a couple of screws and out she pops. Nice work
Just a couple. =)
Question, i am almost done putting the new radiator in and there is no connection on the new radiator for that round connector, is this something it needs to run?
Hi Thomas,
What size are the long bolts you use for support?
Thanks
M8x1.25 and about 4.5" long (end to end).
Thank you
On your other Jetta IV rad replacement you were able to unplug the fan thermoswitch plug from above without using a screwdriver to release the retainer clip. What is your trick? Incredible videos thank you.
Push the connector towards the sensor... pull back on the release tab with your thumb or other finger, then... pull the connector off of the sensor. For the most part, they should come off fairly easily. Thank you for watching!
@@EXOVCDS That makes too much sense. I always did the pick/screwdriver method myself, never thought of letting off pressure on those connections. Makes me miss the Mk3 metal clip connections lol.
Btw, do you apply RTV between the flanges and radiator normally? Mine is leaking right away despite having the oring and locked in place with the clip. Trying to find info on it to no avail.
Thanks a big help.
That was quite a few bolts to remove to get that radiator out. But as always, you made it look easy!
I think it turned out better than the old version that I have on file... and hopefully will have answered some questions that the old one could not.
Thomas EXOVCDS I remember the older version and this one is far better with better lighting and all the details were shown very nicely. 👍
Thank you ... that's what I was aiming for.
Is it the same to do a 99 jeta vr6 engine? They look awfully simualer.
+Tim Edwards 99 mk4 / A4 yes... 99 MK3 / A3 is slightly different.
Thomas EXOVCDS thanks bud this helps alot😄👍
Much less room with a VR6. Have to take the entire front off.
MKIV Jetta VR6 sloowwww leak. Can't find puddle. Wondering if it's leaking at the rad when it gets really hot and then boils off. Have to top up once a month, or twice if it's really hot out. In winter, every 2-3 months.
Any idea of the lifespan of these radiators? Maybe after 19+ years it's shot? Hoses / clamps look fine, t-stat housing replaced / Stainless Crack Pipe. Anyone find a pinhole leak in radiator, perhaps along the welds? Pressure test didn't reveal a leak. Hmmm...
If there's a leak, it should be visible as long as there's enough antifreeze in the coolant mixture (to leave a trace / trail). If you are 100% sure there are no leaks, then the leak is internal (head gasket).
Nice detail-rich video, good job. I must say, quite a tedious job just to get the radiator out. I've done Mercedes and Nissan radiator replacements... They seem so simple compared to this :) fingers crossed I won't have to do this any time soon on my mk4.
There are easier VW radiators... in VW's defence, I probably make it look more involved than it actually is.
Long support bolts whats the size and where can i get them
M8x1.25 is the thread size & pitch (if I remember correctly). Most hardware stores will have a variety of length bolts that you can match to the threads.... 3 to 4 inches will do.
@@EXOVCDS Thanks now to find them bolts..
How long do radiators normally last on VW products. My Volvo's 5-7 years in the mid west.
All depends on location. I have seen 30+ year old radiators (vanagon's) and I have seen some fail before they are 10 years old. Depending on how they fail... there may be an underlying cooling system issue. If it's due to environment, might be time to move. =)
The old saying "They don't make 'em like they used to!!" also bears some weight! =)
Hi Thomas can I pull the metal number support off instead of putting the long bolts to hold it up?
Whatever works / is easier for you.
Hey Thomas so my leak is coming from just below the upper rad hose. Is it possible the rad is cracked on the plastic side piece?
Yes.
Great video. I'm going to be helping a friend replacing a radiator on a 16 VW Jetta TSI. How similar is the procedure? He also damaged his trans pan, is that as simple as drain, drop and replace. Thanks in advance.
Not sure... I have not removed one on a 2016 before. The overall process is probably similar... but there probably are quite a few differences in the way things are mounted together / come apart.
Great! Thank you for replying.
Did you disconnect the battery ?
I haven't watched the video since posting it... did I disconnect the battery in the video?
Disconnecting the battery is always a good idea, if it's the first time you are doing something.
Could you pull the radiator from up top instead of down low?
Don't know, haven't tried... the AC line on the passenger side might be in the way.
Thanks for the quick reply im halfway there already 👍
Well at least with the amount of parts missing there was a bit less to remove. Good info Thomas.
The car also drives faster (less weight)! LOL
What size thread are the 2 long bolts you put in before sliding the front of the car out?
Same as the stock bolts... 8mm X 1.25 , the ones I use are 4" long.
Thanks for the reply, I’ve got this job to do on my golf in the next couple of days
@@johndowling6871 let me know how it went.
My mechanic is saying it’s going to take him 4 hours to replace my radiator on a vw Jetta. Is that accurate? 4 hours seems like a long time. Any advice?
I don't know what the "book time" is for that, but yes, it does seem a bit high. Check with a "European Specialty" shop in your area / give them a call. You can do a local search via the following link:
iatn.net/repair
Keep in mind that cheaper isn't always better. It could be that he buffered a bit of extra time (for the estimate) in case he runs into issues... most shops will charge less than the initial estimate, if things go better / quicker than expected.
@@EXOVCDS thank you:)
@@Shanbify for some reason that link / website is down. Was ok last week. =/
Are the plastic side of the condenser prone to cracking?
Condensers are all metal I think (we don't do much AC).
Thanks for the video. My radiator will be here in a few days. Leaking from lower driver's side. Already pulling it apart before it gets here. It will definitely take me way longer than you. 😂
Thank you for watching! Let me know how it goes / went!
It went pretty good. Definitely more of a pain than a Honda or similar. Took a few days to change it.
@@ilikeboost4764 Thank you for the update! Things become less painful the more you work on them (VW's)! =)
Lol for me it seems like it's going the other way. But maybe this will be a lesson to stay away from vw.
@@ilikeboost4764 A4/mk4 platform is 14 to 20 years old... working on a rust bucket doesn't make things easier and not the fault of the design / manufacturer. Finding a clean / rust free vehicle of that age is not easy and will definitely cost more to buy... but that in itself will make repairs easier (lack of rusty bolts).
How much is this job at the shop?
Phone your local repair shop.
Thank you very much for you're videos, they are awesome. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for wathing!
I like your style. Thanks for the lesson!
Thank you for watching!
How do I reverse the video so I can get the radiator back in the car?
LOL... download and reverse via video editing.
so my radiador has been leaking for 3 weeks now and only has water, could this be a problem for the engine? how long before any real damage is done?
Not sure how long it will run before things get affected. Cooling systems need some antifreeze / additives... to help protect the engine from running hot / overheating, lubricating components, cleaning / preventing corrosion from happening. The longer you wait... the more "flushing" you will have to do (to get things clean again) and the more of a risk you take, of things getting worse.
Thomas EXOVCDS is tuerce a video on a complete flush of radiator, engine block and heater core
I don't have a complete flush video.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose, one of the oil cooler hoses and one of the heater core hoses. Use a garden hose and force WATER (edited) into the heater core pipe that is exposed (not too much pressure), force WATER (edited) into the disconnected oil cooler hose and force WATER (edited) into the coolant reservoir bottle. That should flush the system enough.
Sorry... force "water" into the disconnected fittings.
Thomas EXOVCDS thanks for your time Thomas, let you know this went
Bro its the same radiator the Jetta A4 TDI and Jetta A4 2.0?
rafael de jesus castillo escobar Yes Bro.
Is there anything you can't do on a Vw/audi?
Many... many... many... things... I only have general experience, there is MUCH that I have not yet done.
Thank you for watching!
Beautiful! I will try this next weekend!
Let me know how it goes / went!
Can be able to take out radiator from upper side after all screw removals?
Maybe, I have never tried. At 10:24 you can see the AC line that could prevent that.
no-so PRO TIP. Make sure you don't switch out the four screws going into the front of the radiator for the slightly longer ones! It's just enough to puncture the radiator tanks (black plastic) and really bum you out.
Thanks for the tip!
Nice job
Thanks for dropping in!
That's how a pro does it! Thanks!
LOL... not quite.
Gotta love that German engineering!
Can't tell if that was sarcasm or not.
It's a simple radiator to replace... yes there are easier ones to replace... as there are more difficult ones. =)
Just being sarcastic bud. Great Video by the way! 😎👍
It's all good... just wasn't sure. =)
Guys! Installation is the exact reverse of removal
Yup... well, maybe not "exact". =)
Thomas EXOVCDS keep up the good work Mate
Dammiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. Nice vid. But dang nabit I didn't want to have to rip the whole front end off.
MCRideout Comes apart easy... only way to get at the radiator securing bolts.
I just swapped out my headlights last weekend so I have to do it twice now. Thanks for the tutorial. What's the sensor in the driver's side of the radiator called? My stock radiator didn't have an o-ring on that sensor but the new radiator has a plug that has an o-ring on it. Should I use the o-ring?
MCRideout The radiator fan switch usually has a copper washer under it. Some fan switches didn't use a seal / washer... i would not use an o-ring seal.
Excellent advice. I followed your video and successfully swapped out the radiator, thermostat, thermostat housing, fan switch, one of my fans, and the fan control module!
Thank you for the update... happy to hear that my video was of help!
im wonder why people pay to get thier radiator replacementits to much stuff to take out,,,
Because some can't handle it.
Thomas nice video. I have done quite a few of these and i have to say what a SHIT idea VW had on these radiators.
Come now... they aren't that bad! =)
how the feck haven't I subscribed.
LOL... thank you.