Radiator removal

[pjbowman]

After a spirited drive yesterday in AEX127, upon return to the garage and parking, I noticed the radiator leaking from somewhere near the top. I drained the radiator in prep for removal and repair, and have removed the nuts from the lower core support, but there seems to be no way to get the upper core support bolts out. The problem is there's no way to get a wrench  on the head of the bolts to keep it from turning due to the flange on the bracket that faces forward and the tight fitting shielding while I remove the nut from inside the engine bay. Anybody done this before and have any suggestions? I can supply pictures if it helps.

[James Eastwood]

Peter,

Yes a bit tricky, my radiator is also out at the moment so I went to take a quick look. It really needs a captive nut spot welded to the vehicle frame bracket or making up a nut with a welded tab on for convenience.

Perhaps a socket on both sides. Then possibly you don't have two Whitworth sockets, but possibly a nearest AF or Metric will work.

James

[pjbowman]

I agree James. I'll have to see what I can come up with. Once the rad is out, maybe I can come up with a better long-term solution!

[pjbowman]

Well, after many contortions and scraped knuckles, and making a special tool to reach the bolt, I have managed to get the radiator out of the Ace. Taking it to specialist tomorrow to get the leak fixed (I believe it's the header tank that is leaking). I will also be addressing the inaccessible bolt-head issue upon reinstallation!