View Full Version : Radiator Help - Upside Down??
flip1216
06-07-2020, 10:00 PM
Okay, admittedly, it is a little late so I might be losing my mind. Nonetheless, I am seeking a sanity check. Is my radiator upside down?
I looked on the forum before beginning (due to the lack of clarity in FFR instructions) and saw several threads mentioning that the petcock goes in the upper left (driver's side) corner; therefore, I followed suit. However, the radiator outlets for the hose are at a VERY sharp downward angle making the hoses seemingly impossible to attach (see photos). If I flip the radiator (80% certain I have to redo all my work), they will point upward very sharply.
It is worth noting that there is another petcock on the outside of what is now the lower right (passenger's side) of the radiator. If flipped, it would be on the upper left (driver's side) outside corner.
Any insight or help in confirming/denying this? Thanks.
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egchewy79
06-07-2020, 10:04 PM
Yes, sorry to tell you. Flip it over
Okay, admittedly, it is a little late so I might be losing my mind. Nonetheless, I am seeking a sanity check. Is my radiator upside down?
I looked on the forum before beginning (due to the lack of clarity in FFR instructions) and saw several threads mentioning that the petcock goes in the upper left (driver's side) corner; therefore, I followed suit. However, the radiator outlets for the hose are at a VERY sharp downward angle making the hoses seemingly impossible to attach (see photos). If I flip the radiator (80% certain I have to redo all my work), they will point upward very sharply.
It is worth noting that there is another petcock on the outside of what is now the lower right (passenger's side) of the radiator. If flipped, it would be on the upper left (driver's side) outside corner.
Any insight or help in confirming/denying this? Thanks.
129636129635129634
I just put my radiator in as well and went through the same challenge of figuring what is the correct side up. Your mounting is opposite of mine, so one of us is screwed :D I wanted my upper connection to be aimed towards the engine. It appears your upper connection is pointing downward? Maybe someone else can chime in?
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=129521&d=1591326814
D Stand
06-07-2020, 10:19 PM
Fman has it correct. Flip1216 is backwards...
You maybe OK if you're in the southern hemisphere. :)
flip1216
06-07-2020, 11:47 PM
Well...poop. I guess the good news is the radiator is still usable, I just need to redo a few rivets and three bolts. The downside is I now have a row of holes on the bottom of my radiator.
Thanks for the confirmation.
michael everson
06-08-2020, 04:59 AM
Flip you will never see the bottom lip once the car is done.
Mike
DadofThree
06-08-2020, 07:31 AM
It is worth noting that there is another petcock on the outside of what is now the lower right (passenger's side) of the radiator. If flipped, it would be on the upper left (driver's side) outside corner.
Any insight or help in confirming/denying this? Thanks.
Just to give a little more info: The petcock on the side of the radiator is opened when you are filling the radiator and need to allow air to escape during the fill. And the petcock on the back of the radiator is to help you when you need to drain the radiator.
I too was confused during my build a few years ago and asked the same question. No harm in asking and you help others by doing so. Carry on!
Just to give a little more info: The petcock on the side of the radiator is opened when you are filling the radiator and need to allow air to escape during the fill. And the petcock on the back of the radiator is to help you when you need to drain the radiator.
I too was confused during my build a few years ago and asked the same question. No harm in asking and you help others by doing so. Carry on!
Thanks for explaining this, I was wondering why they had two of them on the radiator.... that makes sense.
Jeff Kleiner
06-08-2020, 11:57 AM
Note that the same radiator is used in both the roadster and the Coupe...in the Coupe upside down is actually right!
Jeff
Not that I did the same thing, but I used an aluminum strip I think 1/2 wide to cover the holes with equally spaced rivets.looks like it was made that way.i don’t think you would ever see it once the body’s on but I would know the holes were there and who put them there.
egchewy79
06-08-2020, 08:09 PM
You could always use those extra holes on the bottom to zip tie your wiring harness
DadofThree
06-10-2020, 07:50 AM
You could always use those extra holes on the bottom to zip tie your wiring harness
spoken like a veteran builder, egchewy; Great solution/tip
toadster
06-28-2020, 02:10 PM
Well...poop. I guess the good news is the radiator is still usable, I just need to redo a few rivets and three bolts. The downside is I now have a row of holes on the bottom of my radiator.
Thanks for the confirmation.
now you'll get that 1/2 mph extra on the top end due to less aero drag ;)
it's better you catch it now than later! Looking good!
BEAR-AvHistory
06-28-2020, 07:54 PM
Just to give a little more info: The petcock on the side of the radiator is opened when you are filling the radiator and need to allow air to escape during the fill. And the petcock on the back of the radiator is to help you when you need to drain the radiator.
I too was confused during my build a few years ago and asked the same question. No harm in asking and you help others by doing so. Carry on!
That is plan A with a non COYOTE. With a COYOTE you use plan B. The top drivers side petcock is swapped for a bayonet fitting to receive a hose from the expansion tank. This hose it a FORD Mustang part & has a directional restricter in it so it has to be installed in the proper direction. Its a key part of the expansion tanks air burp function. Necessary to save a lot of grief when installing a COYOTE engine.
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=14336&pictureid=55799