radiator replacement

[litlred]

Brought our little red 1999 S10 4.3 Vortec ZR2 home from getting the alternator rebuilt and she suddenly decided to start leaking coolent.

Got the flashlight out and began looking for the leak...and found a hairline crack in the plastic 'shoulder' facing the front on the driver's side. Since we were away from home, had to put some sealent in the rad'...it was a good temp. fix to get us home....and there were no leaks on the stops we made until we pulled in the drive and it began dripping again. Don't lose a lot...but I know it will get worse.

Anyway....I will be looking for a replacement from possibly a salvage yard and will attempt to do it myself. Not mechanically talented and wondering if anybody out there has any tips or tricks they might pass on to this amateur. I see how the shroud comes out...and the upper and lower rubber hoses. There are also metal lines attached which I am assuming are oil and/or trans. cooler lines?

This forum has been such a help before, and I sure appreciate the knowledge available: thanks in advance for any suggestions....

[rlith]

First off, don't get one from a junk yard. It's just one of those pieces that you want new and with a warranty. Remember the old addage that you get what you pay for. A used radiator could be as bad if not worse than your current one.

That said, for replacement, simply remove the upper radiator shroud, drain the rad via the petcock on the lower corner. Disconnect the hoses. DO NOT REUSE THE STOCK RAD HOSE CLAMPS! Get a set of new tightenable clamps from the auto parts store. They usually run around 1.50 for a pack of 2.

Disconnect the transmission lines (passener side) and the oil lines (driver's side) Remember to replace the o-rings on the oil lines as they really aren't good to re-use.

Once all the lines are disconnected, rock the radiator from left to right so the nubs at the bottom come out of the rubber grommets. Once you feel them release, lift radiator straight out.


Since you put stop leak in the cooling system (never a good thing) You will need to do a back flush on the system. Do so a couple of times before installing your new rad.

(This might also be a good time to switch to an e-fan if you feel so inclined)

Install new radiator in reverse w/ the new o-rings and the new hose clamps.

Reinstall the upper rad shroud and fill the radiator to the top. Leave the cap off and start the truck and let it heat up to running temp (190 or so) Start topping off the radiator fluid as air is bleeding out and the hoses are re-filling.

Put cap on, top off your coolant recovery tank, go for a drive, enjot.

[litlred]

Thanks rlith....great simple straightforward directions!!! Sure do appreciate it. Someone locally suggested just replacing that plastic shoulder...when I looked at bending all those aluminum tabs back and knowing it would most likely be a disaster, I am opting for the all new equipment route.

That being that, do you or anyone else have any good suggestions about an online supplier that is reputable? We have a local parts store but they tend to value their parts highly. I've seen the OEM rad for our s10 priced anywhere from $141 up to $250.

Thanks again...this forum is the best thing on the 'net thanks to the members!