HammerDown
Full Access Member
Sorry about the new thread but after todays "task" I think I deserve it.
Well let me just say, I'm covered in black from hands to shoulders and that's even after power washing the area last night. My back is KILLING me and I still need to put the coolant back in tomorrow (I've had it for tonight).
Unfortunately I was not able to get away with not lifting the engine for the reinstall, and the reason...there is no way in hell (my) rear header would slip over the new o-rings up in position even if I used ****-lube!. My original o-rings were rock hard and cracked. I did remove the cooler with the engine down but for the reinstall I felt it best to install the cooler assembled so up went the engine...and boy was that fun.
What took a loooong time to do was EVERYTHING, did I mention I have a bad back? Also, the OE gaskets were welded to the headers, it took forever just to make sure everything was surgical clean as this is how I work.
All in all the job took all day, every bit of it and I still need to put the coolant back in.
Honestly, with the pain my back is in now I would have gladly paid the $350.00 for someone to do the job. Because the money saved is going to muscle relaxers and a Chiropractor.
I am 100% positive the cooler will not leak as I spent a lot of time making sure all surfaces were spotless. The inside of my headers and bundle were impressively clean almost like new...guess the frequent oil & coolant changes over 20 years time actually meant something.
Well there ya have it...I thank everyone on this great Forum for all their valuable advise and I used a little bit from everyone. With out it I doubt I would have even considered doing the job.
PS if the Truck was on a lift...much easier at least for me vs scampering around the ground like a hurt dog.
Well let me just say, I'm covered in black from hands to shoulders and that's even after power washing the area last night. My back is KILLING me and I still need to put the coolant back in tomorrow (I've had it for tonight).
Unfortunately I was not able to get away with not lifting the engine for the reinstall, and the reason...there is no way in hell (my) rear header would slip over the new o-rings up in position even if I used ****-lube!. My original o-rings were rock hard and cracked. I did remove the cooler with the engine down but for the reinstall I felt it best to install the cooler assembled so up went the engine...and boy was that fun.
What took a loooong time to do was EVERYTHING, did I mention I have a bad back? Also, the OE gaskets were welded to the headers, it took forever just to make sure everything was surgical clean as this is how I work.
All in all the job took all day, every bit of it and I still need to put the coolant back in.
Honestly, with the pain my back is in now I would have gladly paid the $350.00 for someone to do the job. Because the money saved is going to muscle relaxers and a Chiropractor.
I am 100% positive the cooler will not leak as I spent a lot of time making sure all surfaces were spotless. The inside of my headers and bundle were impressively clean almost like new...guess the frequent oil & coolant changes over 20 years time actually meant something.
Well there ya have it...I thank everyone on this great Forum for all their valuable advise and I used a little bit from everyone. With out it I doubt I would have even considered doing the job.
PS if the Truck was on a lift...much easier at least for me vs scampering around the ground like a hurt dog.
I know it can be a pain in the *** 
....and back working on the cold concrete.
where the hang up could have come from during re-install tho 
and hopefully they will never have to be touched again for a long time!
