replacing venture heat exchanger

[musselmark]

I have to replace my heat exchanger, must have hit a small stump covered over with snow. The bottom middle of it is bent back about 2 inches. I have the track out now and it looks pretty straight forward, drill out about 20 rivets, unhook the hoses and rivet the new one in. I did some searching and some people say the engine needs to come out(rx1) and I cannot understand why (none of the threads I read were specific to the venture). I found a used one for $200.00 . Has anyone ever done one? Was engine removal needed?

These rivets look different than anything I have ever seen, should they be commonly available, if not what is suitable as replacements.

 

[ersky]

they r multi grip rivets if u knock the center pin out first they drill out easier . yamaha rivets r expensive i buy them from fastenal

 

[musselmark]

I have the old one out now and am waiting for a replacement. The rivets were very easy to drill out. I will check out Fastenal on Monday, there is one close to me. I hope I can get the new one in without removing the engine.

 

[Vectornut]

The front cooler doesn't require you to remove the engine. Just remove lots of rivets and the upper engine mount bolt (long bolt) Easy job but takes time and a warm garage. Check to see if there is any damage to the plastic cover and the opening where the plastic cover, covers. A must is a "SKID PLATE" that you should install to protect this area. A rock or stump can push the rear of the opening along with the cooler into your studs if you are using studs. A skid plate will prevent this from happening.

 

[musselmark]

Ya that is exactly what happened, the plastic cover is in perfect shape but something caught the cooler just behind it and pushed it back 2" into the studs. I will make up an aluminum cover for this whole area which is easy to remove for oil changes.

 

[ersky]

if u can use a air riveter to put the rivets in