Removing The Radiator
I removed the radiator from EZ-RIDER, my rescue Honda 1997 Magna VT250CR, and the experience didn't come without surprises!
The first surprise was how easy it turned out to be! Everything happened more or less without drama and/or complication, for once! I managed to get the radiator off in less than an hour, which is a record for this motorcycle.
Even the fasteners were less trouble than usual! Of course, liberally spraying every fastener with WD-40 probably helped a lot, as well has having (finally) all of the right tools!
The 1997 Honda Magna VT250CR radiator is held in place with three fittings. There are two at the top and one at the bottom. I noticed that the upper left fitting (looking from the front) is set up so that you can hang the radiator in place, loosely fasten it in place, attach the electrical connector behind the radiator (in the neck of the frame), and then go ahead and attach and tighten the upper right fitting and then the single lower fitting.
Good thinking Honda! You made it easy!
Main Hoses:
The two main hoses of the radiator were held in place by two standard hose clamps, which will definitely need to be replaced:
Overflow Tube:
The overflow tube is held in place by a little wire hose clip, which will also definitely need to be replaced:
Nuts & Bolts:
The other fasteners were in pretty good shape and seemed pretty ordinary:
- 2 x 8mm bolt (no nut)
- 1 x 10mm bolts (plus nut)
Electrical Connection:
The trickiest part of taking the radiator out was unhooking the electrical connection. The radiator fan connector is hidden inside the neck of the frame, in a little rubber housing. It is very hard to get at, and if you have big hands and fingers (guilty!) there's almost no room to be able to do anything once you have your hand(s) in there. It didn't help that the connector probably hadn't been unplugged for 20 years! When I put the radiator back on I am definitely spraying some silicone spray or armor-all on the electrical fitting to lubricate and protect the plastic parts!
Enjoy!
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Bill of Materials
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, SAE / Metric, 3/8-Inch Drive, 40-Piece (CMMT12018)
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Glarks 290Pcs Fuel Line Hose Water Pipe Air Tubing Spring Clips Clamps Assortment Kit - Size 5-13MM
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WD40 Company 300012 Specialist Silicone Spray Smart Straw - 11 oz. (New Version)
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Armor All 10160 Protectant, Original 1 pt (16 fl oz) 473 ml
CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, Assorted, 8-Piece (CMHT65075)
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