Any tips on removing radiator?

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Pathfinder101
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Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:06 pm
Location: Clearwater FL

Any tips on removing radiator?

Postby Pathfinder101 » Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:08 pm

Had some leak and overheating issues lately. Took to mechanic because I was unable to locate the leak and was told my radiator had failed after getting a quote for $700 I have decided to do this myself. Picked up a new radiator today for $115 and will install in the AM.

Does anyone that has changed theirs have any tips or pointers to make things go smoothly ?

TIA


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smj999smj
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Postby smj999smj » Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:31 pm

I've heard it's a little bit of a pain because of the AC condensor, but I haven't done it yet. Here's the R&R from ALLDATA:


RADIATOR




WARNING: Do not remove radiator cap when engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high-pressure engine coolant escaping from radiator. Wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn it a quarter of a turn to release built-up pressure. Carefully remove radiator cap by turning it all the way.

REMOVAL

Remove engine cover with power tool.
Drain engine coolant from radiator.

CAUTION:

Perform this step when engine is cold.
Do not spill engine coolant on drive belts.

Remove air duct and air cleaner case assembly.
Remove reservoir tank hose.
Removal radiator hoses (upper and lower) and reservoir tank hose.

CAUTION: Be careful not to allow engine coolant to contact drive belts.

Remove radiator cooling fan assembly.
Disconnect A/T fluid cooler hoses.

Install blind plug to avoid leakage of A/T fluid.




Remove the upper mount bracket bolts.




Remove the two A/C condenser bolts.
Remove radiator as follows:

CAUTION: Do not damage or scratch A/C condenser and radiator core when removing.




With lifting and pulling radiator in a rear direction, disassemble lower mount from radiator core support center.

CAUTION: Because A/C condenser is onto the front-lower portion of radiator, moving to rear direction should be at minimum.




Lift A/C condenser up and remove radiator after disengaging the fitting as front-bottom surface.

CAUTION: Lifting A/C condenser should be minimum to prevent a load to A/C piping.

After removing radiator, put A/C condenser on radiator core support center to prevent a load to A/C piping, and temporarily fix it with rope or similar means.

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

Check for leaks of engine coolant using tool.
Start and warm up engine. Visually check there are no leaks of engine coolant and A/T fluid.

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Pathfinder101
Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:06 pm
Location: Clearwater FL

Postby Pathfinder101 » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:58 pm

Thanks exactly what I needed. I'll report back if I can add any tips when I'm done.

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Pathfinder101
Posts: 53
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:06 pm
Location: Clearwater FL

Postby Pathfinder101 » Fri Apr 27, 2012 8:14 am

Well that wasn't so hard. Not sure where these shops come off charging
3.4-4 hours of labor. I had it all done including an oil change in just under 2 hrs in my driveway. The previous day I was quoted $714.00 I did it for $155.00 ($125 rad + $35 for coolant)

I removed the rad with the brackets in 1 pc. There were 2 bolts on the top holding the condenser in place remove those then there are 2 more bolts holding the rad in place at the bottom you can then remove as 1 unit. The brackets are just kind of floating in place but secured when everything is bolted together. I was expecting a much bigger challenge from what I had been told and read.

If anyone has any questions when doing theirs shoot me a pm

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smj999smj
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Joined: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:13 pm
Location: Prospect, VA

Postby smj999smj » Sat Apr 28, 2012 8:24 am

That's good to hear! Labor guide calls for 3.0 hours.


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