Replace Radiator 1997 Buick Park Ave - tips

[Greg5150]

My old radiator developed a crack in the plastic tank where the upper radiator hose connects to the radiator. It leaked a little when the engine was cold but did not leak once the engine was hot. However, the leak was annoying and was getting worse so I bought a new radiator. Three things made the job aggravating. First, working with the oem constant tension hose clamps was not that easy even though I have the correct hose clamp tool. There is not much room when trying to install these on the lower radiator hose (I also installed a new lower hose). Second, when reconnecting the transmission lines to the new radiator it was hell trying to get the threads on the flare nut to line up with the threads in the radiator. Third, the shroud proved to be difficult to work with and manuever around.

If you plan to do this job make sure you have a 16mm flare nut wrench and the correct hose clamp tool. You can buy the hose clamp tool for $40 from Sears.

Oh, and one more thing - You must remove the coolant level sensor before removing the radiator and this is not easy without breaking one of the tabs off the sensor, which I did. I installed the sensor in the new radiator with one tab missing and it stays in place but for good measure I ordered a new sensor which I should have in a few days.

Attached is a picture of the old radiator with a red arrow pointing to the crack.

[Prof_h]

You are lucky you didn't have the problem I did. '97 PA 155,000mi, Series II 3800. My radiator developed a crack and I had to replace it. Unlucky me...I had to also get a new shroud and fans, as the new radiator would not adapt to the old shroud clips. My mechanic tried to find me an exact radiator replacement, but they don't make my type anymore, so I had to go with the new type, hence the new shroud and fans. A $400 job, quickly turned into an $800 job. Glad you had such minor problems.
Keep smiling!

[Greg5150]

I bought a Spectra radiator model CU2349 which is the most popular radiator for the 97 Park Ave. It fit without any problem. I'm baffled as to why your mechanic could not find this radiator. Autozone and NAAP sell it as well as many online retailers.

[Prof_h]

My Park Ave was built in the first three months of the production year, they switched radiator and fan shroud after that, so for three months they had this specific radiator and shroud. Since few cars had this type of equipment, they decided not to make aftermarket products, I had to buy new of everything. At least this is what was explained to me. I was there when my mechanic phoned around. He must have made five or more calls.
Just my luck.
I love the car, though, so I footed the bill.
Wendy