MK2 Galaxy 1.9 TDI 130 radiator removal & replacement help

[peparami101]

I have searched the forum but been unable to find help on this. I need to replace my radiator on my MK2 galaxy 1.9 TDI 130 as its leaking. I have heard it might be possible to remove the radiator with disturbing the AC circuit. Is this possible and can anyone point me towards a guide for this. Many thanks.

[johnnyroper]

My theory is I replaced my air con condenser without disturbing the cooling radiator so I would assume rad can be removed without disturbing the air con?
Never done one but thinking back to mine I would say it can come out of the gap between engine and slam panel. @Mirez will be the man to advise as he has stripped plenty of these old gals over the years

[Mirez]

Yup its definitely possible

If you look at this:
https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/ford-galaxy-common-faults-and-problems/ford-galaxy-air-conditioning-gas-low-pressure-condenser-replacement/

The four mounting points for that ac rad screw into the frame of the main coolant rad, so you'll need to cut the gaps and unscrew it as shown here. Once you've done that, the main rad pack is separate so you can pull it out leaving the AC intact.

[peparami101]

Thanks for the replies. Think I will give this a go when I get the time and weather.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Could you just pour a bottle of RadWeld in the tank maybe

[johnnyroper]

Radweld is awful stuff it blocks things up and causes more issues than it solves, personally I would rather keep topping coolant up than using rad weld.

[brianh]

Radweld is awful stuff it blocks things up and causes more issues than it solves, personally I would rather keep topping coolant up than using rad weld.

Too true - the few times I've had failed thermostats to deal with its usually down to them being gummed up with radweld or similar rubbish. Waste of money I've never known it to work for very long if at all, means you can end up with overheating issues or a heater that doesn't get hot very easily if your unlucky as well.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Ah, it sounded too good (easy and convenient) to be true.... will make sure I avoid that sort of thin in the future hehe, thank you

Iââ,¬â,,¢m guessing the head gasket weld stuff you add to oil is even worse

[brianh]

I think you normally add that to the coolant not the oil. Its all similar stuff, personally I'd avoid it for the most part. Others I've seen have used it to keep a sickly engine working a bit longer (Not Galaxy ones in that case though).

The oil stop leak products that exist sometimes work, but they soften the oil seals rather than head gaskets. I've had some success with those with leaky driveshaft seals in the past.