I'm doing a complete AC system rebuild on my truck and I'm at the stage where one is to unbolt and tilt back the radiator to get access to the condenser for removal. The Ford manual is pretty generic, saying to remove the upper heater hose and drain the cooling system. However, it *looks* like if I protect the radiator from the fan (with a sheet of cardboard), I can just unbolt the radiator and tilt it back without draining any coolant because the plumbing is radically different from the gas trucks. Is this the case, or do I have to dump the cooling system? Thanks.

 

Can't you pull the grille and header panel and remove from the front.I remounted mine when I did the ic install and I can't see why it would not be easier that way.

 

My truck has a Ranch Hand style grille guard on the front that is very close to the grille. I am working alone and can't remove and reinstall the guard alone. Not a bad idea, though - if I didn't have the grille guard I might try that.

 

Yea...you are pulling the rad.oh well

 

I've always used an engine hoist (or 'cherry picker') to install and remove my grill guard.

Flushing your coolant is also never a bad idea if it's been in there a while...

 

It turns out the answer to my question is yes - protect the radiator with sturdy corrugated cardboard and it will work just fine with no damage to the radiator. Use more cardboard to protect the condenser from the radiator and the support going in and it'll go in fine too.