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Need New Radiator?

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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:17 PM
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Default Need New Radiator?

I noted a lot of coolant at the front driverside after I shut the truck down. Behind the bumper in-between the radiator there is a black piece of plastic. IT had a bunch of coolant in there. I've checked everywhere and I am pretty sure it is the radiator. THe big issue is i'm in the middle of a big job and really need the truck. I am not even sure if I should drive it tomorrow. It did not over heat today and i added coolant.

How long does it take to replace the radiator. If it doesn't take long I can do it Sunday. I do need the truck tomorrow though.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:28 PM
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It really doesn't take long. Just few bolts to remove fan shroud, remove radiator hoses and Trans cooler hose, remove upper radiator mounting bolts, unclip radiator from A/C conenser, you should be able to pull radiator up from top.
Not sure about ur truck, but some of them requires a special trans line disconnect tool you can purchase from part store for like $10


If the leak is not pouring out, just carry few jug of water in ur truck in case you need fill up. Water will be fine because u r doing the radiator soon anyway, and we are not going to see freezing temp anytime soon.
 

Last edited by steak59; Jul 13, 2012 at 09:30 PM.
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by steak59
It really doesn't take long. Just few bolts to remove fan shroud, remove radiator hoses and Trans cooler hose, remove upper radiator mounting bolts, unclip radiator from A/C conenser, you should be able to pull radiator up from top.
Not sure about ur truck, but some of them requires a special trans line disconnect tool you can purchase from part store for like $10


If the leak is not pouring out, just carry few jug of water in ur truck in case you need fill up. Water will be fine because u r doing the radiator soon anyway, and we are not going to see freezing temp anytime soon.
What are we talking here, an hour, two hours?
 
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:36 PM
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My truck was just doing the same thing! I changed out the radiator, thats what was leaking
 
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Ryandodge2
My truck was just doing the same thing! I changed out the radiator, thats what was leaking
How long did it take you? How long did you wait to change the radiator out?
 
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by sbrodacz
How long did it take you? How long did you wait to change the radiator out?
for someone who occasionally work on cars and replace radiator on any cars before, I am going to say at most 2-3 hours.
For experienced mechanic, I am going to say 1 hour.
All Data flat rate manual is 1.3 hours.
Waranty time is like 0.7 hour.

Radiator on this truck is as easy as a radiator job can get. And I think you do need the specialy tool if your truck is automatic trans.
 

Last edited by steak59; Jul 13, 2012 at 09:51 PM.
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 09:56 PM
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I replaced mine in Feb and it was like 20 degrees out, took me 2 hours tops and that was stopping a few times to warm up, That is the one down fall for a lifted truck and a standard garage door :-)

I also have an external transmission cooler, so I am not sure about the added time, but I can't see it taking more then an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
 
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 10:13 PM
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took me 10 minutes to remove my radiator when i did my plenum, and 10 minutes to put it back in..... to each their own though!
 
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Old Jul 13, 2012 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by steak59
It really doesn't take long. Just few bolts to remove fan shroud, remove radiator hoses and Trans cooler hose, remove upper radiator mounting bolts, unclip radiator from A/C conenser, you should be able to pull radiator up from top.
Not sure about ur truck, but some of them requires a special trans line disconnect tool you can purchase from part store for like $10


If the leak is not pouring out, just carry few jug of water in ur truck in case you need fill up. Water will be fine because u r doing the radiator soon anyway, and we are not going to see freezing temp anytime soon.
The single ended tool of that flavor will work. Don't get the double ended one, there isn't enough room to get to the connector at the bottom with it.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 11:06 AM
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Thanks guys. It's kind of weird but it hasn't leaked since Friday. I kept checking yesterday after each time I drove it and even parked on a blue tarp to make sure I could see any coolant.
 
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