Radiator replacement - tools needed / coolant flush

[somerled]

Hi there - I have a slow loss of coolant and I suspect this is caused by a leaking front right radiator judging by the drops of coolant on the ground at this spot.

I've searched everywhere but can't find a definitive list of tools needed for the job (I know what's needed to remove the front bumper). Does anyone have them to hand? Should you also flush the coolant before attempting the radiator replacement or can you drain the coolant via the removal of the radiator at the front?

Many thanks.

[bigbuber]

Could just be a hose. I did a coolant flush last year and recall it being a ********************. You cant drain it all from the front. There's like 5 hoses iirc around the engine that you have to pop off then put back on for like 2 or 3 flushes. There's a good video on it from some British guy on youtube.

Also, you can find cheap old oem rads on ebay with potentially low miles if you're feeling cheap

[somerled]

Originally Posted by bigbuber

Could just be a hose. I did a coolant flush last year and recall it being a ********************. You cant drain it all from the front. There's like 5 hoses iirc around the engine that you have to pop off then put back on for like 2 or 3 flushes. There's a good video on it from some British guy on youtube.

Also, you can find cheap old oem rads on ebay with potentially low miles if you're feeling cheap

Thanks. Do you know if there'd be any problems with only replacing the coolant that escaped during the radiator replacement? I understand this procedure would release a lot of coolant but would rather avoid a full coolant flush. I saw a video on YT by 'Heidi and Franny Sailing' who changed the rad without a full flush and simply put back in what had come out.

And yes, very much open to using a cheaper used rad from Ebay - thanks.

[78F350]

I clamp the hoses in the wheel well, then remove the radiator and catch whatever drains. You will still need to get some air out of the system when you refill, but not as bad as a complete flush. Tools needed are ordinary socket set (10mm and 13mm probably get all the bolts), some torx bits for the screws and I use a flat tip screwdriver to push the metal clips off

Check Pelican Parts Tech Articles if you need more specifics: https://www.pelicanparts.com/boxster/boxster_tech.htm.