Radiator Replacement

[HighOctaneTinting]

I have a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer 2wd, 2 door, 4.3 with 70K miles on it. I noticed some anti-freeze leaking under it so I put some stop leak in it, I checked all hoses and they are good, it appears to be coming from one of the plastic ends. The stop leak has pretty much stopped the leak but I want to go ahead and replace my radiator. My question is:

How do I know if mine has engine oil cooler on it?
&
Is this a pretty standard install, no major problems to encounter?

Thanks for any help, I really appreciate it.

[muddog321]

Yep, pretty easy and all have the oil cooler on the drivers side and the trans cooler on pass side. Only part that doesn't come with a new rad is the rubber inserts under it but an 01 should be OK still. GM put the upper hose so when the air filter box is opened it flexes against the hose and wonderful plastic end of the rad. Most seem to have slightly diff fittings supplied with the new rad so use the old ones and transfer them (the new supplied ones always seem to leak as off somewhat). Good time for a new cap, theromstat and Dex cool and back flush that crap out of the block and heater core.

[HighOctaneTinting]

Do i just run water in the upper hose and let it flush through the bottom when I remove the radiator? Also, I see what you mean by the upper hose, glad you said something because otherwise it looks fine till you look under it.

Also is the thermostat at the intake of the upper hose as usual?

[muddog321]

There are several ways to do the flush but with the rad out and thermostat out (yes under the upper hose at the intake, 2 bolts) you can simply run the hose in that open thermostat hole and flush the crap out the block. As for the heater core I have a 3' section of 5/8 and 3/4" heater hose that I connect to the firewall and backflush it both ways till runs clear with a garden hose as too much pressure or pushing the crap from the block can clog or blow the core - too small passages. Just a warning that sometimes after a clogged system the water pump may fail (leak out the seal holes) as crap got in the seals - happens.

[HighOctaneTinting]

Thanks, great info as always!!

[JaVeRo]

ReadyRad makes a radiator for the S10 that has a thicker core for better cooling. I think the stock radiator is 1" thick and the ReadyRad is 1 3/8" thick. The only drawback is that the transmission cooler lines were a different size but came with the necessary fittings. I got one for my wifes truck from O'Reilly's. Most people don't need it but She does.

James