🚀 go-pugleaf

Thomas Stone wrote:
> 
> I live in Durham and am looking for an honest mechanic to tell me if I
> really need the new radiator, hoses and belts that the dealer claims I need
> (all told about $800). Does anyone have any recommendations for this? Thanks

That is a definite do-it-yourself job. To remove the radiator typically
takes removing the fan (four to six bolts) and the radiator itself (four
to eight bolts.) Hoses are nothing more than compression clamps on both
ends. Belts install by finding the "movable" item to remove the tension
on the belt, loosening the bolt on the rocker arm of that item, changing
the belt, reapplying tension, and tightening one bolt back.

All other underhood hoses (bypass, heater to, heater return, and
windshield sprayer feed line) are either clamped or snap connectors.

At most, you need a screwdriver, pliers, and a ratchet wrench with the
appropriate sized sockets and perhaps an extension bar or two. The whole
job should take no more than two hours depending on how much beer you
consume during the process.  :)

Steve Crisp