Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

All right- I was poking around in the engine compartment today and noticed for the first time that the radiator moves when you shake it. If you look at the mounting bolts and brackets it looks like maybe it's supposed to "float" in there, but I can't for the life of me figure out why you would need that- is this normal or is my radiator loose? Any thoughts? I'd appreciate it.
Also- I noticed that one of the bolts holding the bracket in the engine compartment to the right fender well (I didnt' really look to see what it was- I assume it's the lower engine mount bracket) had backed out- and then I saw that it had happened to someone over on srtforums.com, so I thought I'd warn everyone to check and make sure yours are tight. The guys over on srtforums had actually backed out and broken in half.

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

Normal. I'm not sure why. But all SRT-4 radiators are mounted that way. We had a meet back last Sept and all ten cars were the same.

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

Yep, just looked at mine. It moves a little as well.....[sm=smiley5.gif]

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

My radiator rattles a little also.

Thanks for the heads up on that bolt. I went and looked and could not see anything loose, but could you be more specific as to where that bolt is.

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

Yeah- I'll go out and take a picture of it right now- it is the upper engine mount bracket, which mounts to the right (driver's right) wheel well in the engine cpt.
I have an update also- I went to the dealer today to have it looked at- good thing, because when they went to remove it it sheared off due to the cross-threading. They had to jack up the engine to get to it. If I had done it I'm sure they would have questioned my methods- this way they broke it, they fix it.
Anyway, here's the deal- they gave me the choice of either removing the engine, and then drilling the bolt out, OR, drilling through the wheel well, drilling the bolt out, and then tac welding the hole shut to seal it. I went with the wheel-well option, just because removing the motor and connections always seems to introduce gremlins into the system. Anyway, they have to order the bolt, so the work won't be done for a week or so.
I'll get a picture up here momentarily.

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

Oh, and as for the radiator, it is supposed to float, so the hose can flex when the engine torques without breaking the connection to the radiator.

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

All right- here are pics of the broken bolt so everyone knows where to look. Sorry for the poor quality, but it's tough to get good light up here in the northwest (I've been told there's a big ball of fiery warmth that can be seen in the sky, but I don't believe it). Anyway, it should give you the location, if nothing else. Any questions, just let me know.

[IMG]local://upfiles/2941/Xv630520612.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/2941/Ny771530617.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

Good work, dude!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!![sm=smiley20.gif][sm=smiley20.gif][sm=smiley20.gif]

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

Thanks for the info, I'll have to check mine out. I believe the radiator floats to keep from being damaged by harsh vibrations as well as to keep the hoses from being damaged by engine twist and torque.

RE: Loose Radiator? (Dumb Question?)
 

BTW, that's just below where I'll be putting my $20 catch can...I can keep an eye on both items at the same time!!![sm=smiley4.gif]