New Version OEM 02 wrx Radiator Install?

[xxxjuhstenxxx]

I was wondering if anyone has installed the "updated" radiator from subaru for their 02. My radiator recently took a dumb on me and I order the new radiator with all the hoses and was wondering if anyone could let me know if there is anything in particular that I need to look for or be aware of before I do the install? Any snags or tips that could make it go smoother or faster? Thanks.



-Justin

[rexman2002]

I did recently. Drain the coolant by removing the lower rad. hose. Take out the intake, pull out the old radiator, and install the new one. Fill with coolant, I bought the subaru genuine one, mixed it 50/50 with distilled water and added the conditioner. Run the car for while, burp the lines.

[rexspeedmaster]

I just replaced mine with a koyo alluminum one with a crucial thermostat. very nice piece. As for draining the coolant I would first empty it through the drain plug on the left side of the radiator because that will get most of it out. If you undo the bottom hose there is a good chance it will come out all over you! and thats not fun.

[sharkmonkey]

There is an "updated" factory radiator?

[TurbojonLS]

Originally Posted by sharkmonkey

There is an "updated" factory radiator?

They initially didn't have a radiator cap. The 04+ (maybe 03s as well) all had radiator caps.

[Kean]

Originally Posted by TurbojonLS

They initially didn't have a radiator cap. The 04+ (maybe 03s as well) all had radiator caps.

......yep, somewhere during the '03 MY. Mine was one of the earlier ones without the cap on the radiator. Replacement was a breeze as Mulder described. It literally just drops in. Extra parts that are needed (if you're interested in keeping it all OEM) includes a metal pipe and two overflow hoses. ......from the TSB:

NUMBER: 09-37-03
DATE: 07/15/03

APPLICABILITY: 2002-2003MY Impreza WRX

SUBJECT: New WRX Radiator

INTRODUCTION
If you are replacing the radiator in a WRX with a production date prior to September 2002 you will need to make a few changes. A radiator cap has been added to all new radiators being produced for this model, which requires you to add a new pipe and two hoses.

These items must be ordered and installed as a set when ordering the new radiator.

VEHICLES AFFECTED

STARTING VIN
SEDAN 2*507194
WAGON 2*806590

Production change: September, 2002.

PARTS INFORMATION

The new style radiator has a radiator cap that is incorporated into the top tank. The old style radiator did not have the radiator cap incorporated in the top.

Since the old style radiator was discontinued in production, the new style radiator must be substituted for it. In this situation you must install a new overflow pipe and overflow hose A & B as a set along with the new radiator.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

RADIATOR 45111AE101
PIPE OVERFLOW 45175FE010
HOSE OVERFLOW B 45162FE010
HOSE OVERFLOW A 45162FE000


AUTOMATIC TRNASMISSION

RADIATOR 45111FE111
PIPE OVERFLOW 45175FE010
HOSE OVERFLOW B 45162FE010
HOSE OVERFLOW A 45162FE000

Install the parts as a set as shown.

CAUTION The new system is provided with two different caps, one on the radiator and one on the pressurized tank as shown in the above table. Accordingly, pay special attention not to mix up those caps. If they are switched, it could cause overheating which may lead to engine failure.

[xxxjuhstenxxx]

Originally Posted by sharkmonkey

There is an "updated" factory radiator?

Subaru re-designed the radiator for the 02. It comes with new piping and some other stuff as well, because the early version was crap...

[Mulder]

The updated radiator on my 02-



If you get the new one from a dealer and they know you have an 02 (they'll ask for VIN), the additonal parts should be included. Aside from the new hoses to accomodate the cap, the radiator itself drops right in to replace the old one.
With the second cap, filling the system is much easier. I've done mine a couple of times, filling it slowly with both caps open, and there was no trapped air.

[z&cobb]

Originally Posted by Mulder

The updated radiator on my 02-



If you get the new one from a dealer and they know you have an 02 (they'll ask for VIN), the additonal parts should be included. Aside from the new hoses to accomodate the cap, the radiator itself drops right in to replace the old one.
With the second cap, filling the system is much easier. I've done mine a couple of times, filling it slowly with both caps open, and there was no trapped air.

The radiator in my 02 lacks that improvement. But it has never given me a problem. It always required burping and rechecking it a few times.
It's another one of the original parts that have not failed. Lucky, I guess.

[speaker]

Originally Posted by z&cobb

It's another one of the original parts that have not failed. Lucky, I guess.

Mine had ~150K on it when the radiator kacked. It failed at the top along the seams where the plastic top header is crimped to the radiator core.

One other point, my WRX has an automatic. New hoses for the ATF cooler are not included when you swap to the new style radiator. However, the original hoses were in very good condition. They are well-protected by a metal shield and I reused them needing only new hose-clamps.

[xxxjuhstenxxx]

How long did this take you guys to install?

[wadeclinton]

It took me about an hour.

[xxxjuhstenxxx]

Is it pretty basic? I am pretty well inclined in mechanical work, but I have torn ligaments in my shoulder so I am kind of iffy about it, but it needs to get done.

[Kean]

.....about two hours for me taking my time and monkeying around. The hardest parts I would say were draining the coolant (the valve wasn't very cooperative) and replacing the hoses. .......and consider that "hard" is all relative. The job is quite simple as people have described.

[JasonCSU]

About how much does the new radiator and associated parts cost? Or is it better off to go with an aftermarket aluminum radiator? The reason I ask is that my '03 has the old unit and is beginning to leak at the seams like others have.

[rexman2002]

I bought a brand new oem 03 style radiator w/required hoses, 1 gallon genuine subaru coolant, conditioner, all for 320$ from an online source.

[libel infamy]

im currently in the process of switching out my stock radiator (which is cracked) and replacing it with the new version rad.

everything seems to be lining up well but what do i do with the two copper pipes coming out the bottom of the new rad? i know im going to have to buy all new hoses im just waiting for the info on how many exactly i need.

since i bought my rad thru an aftermarket distributor, it came with nothing else, no hoses or extra radiator cap. i bought a cap and clamps at a local parts store and i'm wondering exactly what else i need to get inorder to have the install run smooth.

thanks

[Kean]

Originally Posted by JasonCSU

About how much does the new radiator and associated parts cost? Or is it better off to go with an aftermarket aluminum radiator? The reason I ask is that my '03 has the old unit and is beginning to leak at the seams like others have.

.....I had the early style (1 cap) radiator and had buy a few more parts to upgrade. This was a quote I got from a local dealer back when I was sourcing OEM bits:

1) Radiator $349.95
2) Upper/lower hoses $44
3) metal pipe $43
4) 2 overflow hoses $30
5) Coolant $19.70

I don't recall who I actually pucrchased the pieces from or what I actually paid in the end but I figured this should give you a ball park figure. Obviosuly, there are cheaper places to source the parts. I would ask rexman who he bought his from.

[rexman2002]

Originally Posted by Kean

1) Radiator $349.95
2) Upper/lower hoses $44
3) metal pipe $43
4) 2 overflow hoses $30
5) Coolant $19.70

sounds about right for the local dealer.

I purchased the 03 radiator + the other stuff mentioned from www.thekingofparts.com http://www.thekingofparts.com/servle...ate/about/Page Email Tristan or pm him and let him know what you need.

[crzyazzpolak717]

yea its pretty simple enough room to work with, just never do it on an intrepid, i hated doing that car in the shop lol.

And most the time there is an update on a part from OEM they are required to tell you any other stuff you may need or any percautions if not list it on the paperwork supplied in the box.

[azscooby]

For $200 shipped you can get an aftermarket aluminum radiator....not a bad way to go.

I got a mishimoto from MAPERFORMANCE.com, do a search for this radiator, many have had very good luck, including myself. I would definitely do it again. I was pretty impressed, especially for the price. Easy install and no modification needed (although the site says fans won't work, they do.)

Save $320, and get a better radiator (IMHO.) But you will still need the two hoses and the metal pipe.

Good Luck

[wrxsabre]

Originally Posted by azscooby

For $200 shipped you can get an aftermarket aluminum radiator....not a bad way to go.

I got a mishimoto from MAPERFORMANCE.com, do a search for this radiator, many have had very good luck, including myself. I would definitely do it again. I was pretty impressed, especially for the price. Easy install and no modification needed (although the site says fans won't work, they do.)

Save $320, and get a better radiator (IMHO.) But you will still need the two hoses and the metal pipe.

Good Luck

I'm looking into aftermarket aluminum radiators and spotted the Mishimoto also. They do say that you need to buy the slim fans. How were you able to get around this and use the OEM ones? Any problems since your original post on this?

[wrxsabre]

Took a leap of faith and ordered it anyhow. Only problem I had was I had to cut about 1cm off the top hose cause it was hitting the fans. Oh and the drain plug was broken but I used the one from my old radiator.

Originally Posted by wrxsabre

I'm looking into aftermarket aluminum radiators and spotted the Mishimoto also. They do say that you need to buy the slim fans. How were you able to get around this and use the OEM ones? Any problems since your original post on this?

[youtellme]

I got the Koyo All aluminum radiator for my 02 WRX that has no cap on the radiator... easiest way but also the messiest is to undo the top hose to get some coolant out (all over the floor but i had a big pan so i caught most of it). move that out of the way, pull the fans out ( the hardest part is getting the electrical clips that power the fans), undo the bottom hose that gets rid of the rest of the coolant and Voila. You now have removed your radiator. i'd say the hardest part is the clips for fans.

[JasonCSU]

Thanks for all the info guys. You are all helpful as always.