Well, the questions in the subject. Thanks a lot everyone!

 

it isnt too bad....have to drain it of course....if i remeber it was just a fe lines to take off and couple of bolts then it helps to remove fan and it unclips and slides out....

 

so basically disconnect everything and then I should obviously see what need to come off? Whats the easiest way to remove the radiator cover thing. Mine is perfect and I don't want to scratch it all to hell with a screwdriver. Do they make a special tool to remove those plastic rivets?

 

Which radiator cover? If you're talking about the top one, with the stickers and such, then that's held in place by 3 bolts. (if I remember right, 10 mm)
To remove the radiator, you need to remove the top cover, then remove the fans (I take mine out through the bottom) then disconnect all hoses and if you have an A4, the 2 tranny fluid lines. That's about it.... oh, don't forget to disconnect the low coolant level sensor.

 

i believe if those plastic things are what im thinking u use a pair of wire cutters to get them out...the wire cutters are angled inward so they slide underneath the lip of the "rivot" pulling it up till u can grab into the actually stem of the rivot and just pull it out

 

Woo Hoo Well, that couldn't have gone easier! I mean you disconnect everything and basically lift it out. Can I just by pass the oil cooler lines and connect a hose straight from the radiator to the water pump? I plan on decommissioning the oil cooler as soon as I figure out exactly what is needed to plug it all up. The worst part about the whole job was that the car was still hot doh and it was 91 degrees out ! Plus we ran 12 miles this morning for PT with my platoon! This has been the longest day ever. But I'm still happy. Thanks for all the help fellas!

 

You sure can!

If you want the factory look, you could order part number 10197675 hose. This is for the bypass. (I just did this the other day too)

 

Are both ends of the hose the same size, or close enough that a smaller hose can be forced onto an end. I believe I remember hearing that one is a tiny bit bigger than the other. I'm not too worried about the factory look. Just whatever works, for cheapest .... I know you said that you bypassed the lines, but did you go all the way and remove the cooler? And if so, what do I need to replace it so it doesn't leak?

 

I actually went ALLLLLL the way and bypassed the old engine (on the left) with the oil cooler on it. The new one doesn't have it.

My post here will tell you everything you need to know.

 

So.....is this the best description as to replacing it? If so next time I do oil, its coming off! Thanks for all the help. Any other pointers you can give me before I tackle this?