Lower Radiator Hose Replacement on Turbo Engine

[paulb39]

I have a 2003 PT Cruiser 2.4L with the turbo. The lower radiator hose requires replacement. The spacing between the radiator and engine is tight, I cannot get in there to even touch the hose where it goes into the engine. The outlet from the radiator is tight too.

This car also has AC. How and what do I have to remove to have enough space to R/R the hose? Are there directions anywhere?

This should be a simple job, but I am just lost. Any help is appreciated.

[careyk]

My 2003 just got a new rad this week...the mechanic put it in...He had to take off upper grill...and upper rad support...to pull rad forward...not sure if this helps

[paulb39]

Did he do the upper or lower hose. I have all that apart and it is still very tight on the bottom. I can get to the upper, its the bottom with the turbo stuff and distance to the engine that's the issue. The radiator has a tab on the drivers side that stops it from moving forward. The radiator is also connected to some of the turbo routing, and its very tight.

[Chromenut]

OMG there is a lot of garbage there! The service manual shows how to pull it but doesn't go into any specfics. Looks like there are other hoses that have to be removed first, not sure if it was tranny coolant hose or PS hoses... PM me and I'll get you some documentation....

[lmmegt]

Less engine oil/filter & tranny fluid/filter changes, air filter, plugs wires and some bulbs that you can do yourself easily....... Or something like the camshaft sensor that can be done yourself and goes out on a regular basis..... In the long run you are ahead in many ways having the stealership do the service.

This is one of those times IMHO.

[paulb39]

This is what I was afraid of. Its in the garage and its become personal....but I may end of eating my pride to think a radiator hose can do me in.

If there are any thoughts it would be great. I did get a quote and they are only indicating its an hour or so of labor.

Any thoughts?

[Chromenut]

REmove the radiaotor, problem solved

[paulb39]

That was my first thought BUT. It has AC cooler that's connected to the radiator. The bolts connecting them have the same issue.

It would appear I need to break the AC line to remove it all. The whole thing is tied to the outlet of the Trubo.