replacing radiator

[gmreese]

I have a 99 k1500 GMC Sub 176000 mi. I need to replace the radiator. The garage said it has a crack in it. I'm certainly not a mechanic but can work my way around things. How hard is it to replace the rad?

[Jeremy-WI]

So easy even a caveman could do it. Some of the workspace is a little cramped and you have to be carefull connecting the oil lines back up.

[gmreese]

Thanks Jeremy, Is there a manual you suggest for me to follow along with. I got a Chiltons SUV manual from the library but it's not Suburban specific and has nothing listed for a radiator.

[Jeremy-WI]

I never did use a manual. I have done a few old body style. There were about 9 bolts holding the upper fan shroud on and a couple brackets that supported the top of the radiator. Then the upper and lower hoses, overflow tube, and then the lines for engine oil and/or tranny fluid- some vehicles had external engine oil coolers. Once the lines, hoses and upper fan shroud are off, you can usually just lift the radiator out of the vehicle. You may want to disconnect the negative battery cable before doing this for safety reasons(remote starters, electric cooling fans, acts of god)

[mikie w]

Put some teflon on the trans lines , and check the bottom hose , my save a pain in the back.

[mikie w]

go to , auto zone .com , sign up and you can get it step by step . good luck.

[gmreese]

Thanks Mikie, I've tried before and just tried again and it says that repair guide not available. Not sure if another vehicle has the same rad. Actually tried a few and it says the same thing.

[Big Blak Jimmy Mac]

I usually invest in a Haynes or Chilton manual for each of my vehicles. You can get one at you local parts store, farm supply, etc. Under $20 and it will at least give you a clue if the job required is in your league. Also great for troubleshooting a problem.

Good Luck,

Big Blak Jimmy Mac

[gmreese]

I guess I'll have to break down and buy one. I have one for my Wrangler but I've never considered really jumping in on the burb untill the garage told me it'd be $900 for the fuel pump + whatever for the rad. Thanks

[Jeremy-WI]

If it has a 350 or 454, you could try putting in an older year vehicle into autozone and see if the online version is available. alldatadiy.com has a subscription service for access to the factory repair manuals and service bulletins for $25/yr, the factory manuals usually don't have as many pictures

[gmreese]

Originally Posted by Jeremy-WI

So easy even a caveman could do it. Some of the workspace is a little cramped and you have to be carefull connecting the oil lines back up.

Well Jeremy, I must be a caveman because I did it. Not a big deal once I got in to it. Seems to be working fine. I'm sure I saved myself a ton of money. That is of course if everything continues to work. Thanks for the encouragement.