Replace radiator 2.3 petrol/ plus mystery oil leak

[Evom]

Any tips on replacing a radiator on a 2.3 petrol, 2001 transit manual van? Looks like it comes out underneath once a panel is removed (correct?).

Also have an oil leak coming from behind the engine up high. Already had the rocker cover gasket replaced. Hard to see back there but maybe there’s a switch or something right at the back?

Cheers Braintrust!

[madmart132]

I think you got to take the whole front off to take the radiator out ,not sure on the oil leak though

[Altransit]

I've only removed a diesel one, and for that, I just removed the top plate on the front panel (slam panel) I seem to remember that it just lifts out of the bottom mounting.
Again, not sure how similar the petrol version will be

[Evom]

I think you got to take the whole front off to take the radiator out ,not sure on the oil leak though

No you don’t have to. I have now replaced it by lowering it out from the bottom after taking off the electric fans then removing the bottom drip tray and support panel. Was a bit tricky with the oil cooler attached but managed to free it and support it with a tie down strap. Maybe removing it from the top is possible too but looked way more involved

[Evom]

Update. For anyone reading yes you can remove the radiator from underneath on a petrol 2.3 engine. Oil leak still an issue and could be the rocker cover although I had it replaced. I also suspect some leaking from bolt holes holding on the rear sensor plate as I got a friend to photograph a removed engine and there seems to be an Ellen key plug of some type in an adjacent threaded hole. Why there would be bolt holes going in to the head that aren’t blanked is a mystery. I’ve added his photo and circled where I think my oil leak is on my engine