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I had an engine coolant leak problem and decided to take out the radiator to check it for cracks. It's a 1987 trans am V-8 305 Carb. I'm planning on replacing it with a better radiator. When I took out both the radiator and fan I got confused. I'm new to this and don't know much about cars yet so behind the radiator I found a part that looks exactly like the radiator. What is the name of this part and function? It looks pretty beat up and needs replacement also, so if you could direct me to an online store for both this and the radiator (preferably all aluminum radiator) that would be great. Also, the part behind the radiator has metal lines leading to the engine and they are dented and bent. I tried to remove them but whenever I turned the bolts the metal would bend before the nuts came loose. Any help on what this is and help to uninstall it would be greatly appreciated. None of my family members nor friends are car knowledgeable so this is all I have thanks.
This is the old radiator I will be replacing
This is after I removed the radiator. The part still in there that looks like a radiator is what Im talking about but I didn't think cars had two radiators. Also the metal lines in the middle are the ones I was talking about above. What do they do and how do you uninstall them and what are they called so I can order new ones.
The condenser usually doesn't need to be replaced unless it leaks.
The metal tubes are the A/C lines. You can replace them, as a complete assembly. It would be wise to also replace the compressor, accumulator, and orifice tube, flush out the condenser and evaporator, and convert it to R-134A, at the same time.
If the fins on the AC condensor are badly bent it can affect airflow to the radiator but if you aren't having heat issues I wouldn't replace it for that alone. However If you are wanting to revive the AC than do as Sofa suggested.
The lower half of the fins were mangled on my 2008 Mazda so when I replaced the AC compressor I replaced the condenser thinking it might lower AC temperature. It didn't.
Curious, can you remove the AC Condenser and the radiator still mount properly with out it there? I removed the rest of my ac in my car years ago but totally forgot about the condenser behind the radiator...
07-15-2017, 05:21 PM
