radiator r&r in 96 3.1

[ericn1300]

i'm about to change the radiator in my 96 GP SE 3.1. it looks like a pretty straight forward job, my only question is about flushing the engine. should i flush the engine before i change the radiator or after. the old one has a couple of pin hole leaks that should hold up to a flush.

[GTP Dad]

Flush the engine before changing the radiator. This should make it easier to flush since you can run the engine and you won't risk getting any crap in the new radiator.

[jem270]

I'm not sure how similar the 96 and 97's are but I replaced the radiator in my 97 SE couple of weeks ago.

Difficulties were:

1. Removing the cooling fans. I could not figure out how to disconnect the connector connecting them so I had to remove them together.

2. The wiring harness right above the radiator was in the way. I had to pull it way back out of the way.

3. The hose connections are hard to reach. I attached the hoses to the radiator before I installed the new one.

4. The radiator has rubber bumpers on the bottom. Keep track of them.

5. It took a lot of patience to get the radiator all the way in. The bottom goes in fine but the top did not want to lean toward the front like it needed to. I think it was the wiring that got in the way.

All in all it was not too bad. It took probably an hour to take out and probably an hour and a half to put in. Just take your time.