Ok Guys...

Since all of you were a GREAT help in changing out the heater core last October... which by the way works great (I now have heat - YEA!!)...

It looks as if I need to replace the radiator and I do have a couple questions...

If I have the towing package on my truck... do I need a different radiator than what I can get at the local stores or at RockAuto or any of the other places like eBay or such? Any recommendations as to which one?

As long as I have the radiator out... is there anything else that might be a relatively easy maintenance fix? In just glancing thru some of the threads I see something about the plenum?

By the way... it seems like the leak is dripping down in the area where the drainage plug is... so neighbor and I are almost sure a new radiator is needed. Oh... and it doesn't leak all the time... seems like it leaks after it is freshly started up after sitting for a day or two. After it runs for awhile and then I park it... it doesn't leak anymore.

I have seen a few threads about replacing the radiator and it looks fairly simple compared to replacing the heater core!! :lol:

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh... by the way... in glancing thru the threads it sounds like I may have a CAT issue too as it is sluggish going up hills and I believe it is the number 8 plug (passenger side closest to the firewall) that is getting fouled some as I did replace wires and plugs this spring.

Thanks again for everyone's time!!!

 

I can't offer any advice on which radiator to get with the towing package, but, I did replace my radiator earlier this year and all in all it takes about 10-15 minutes. It's extremely EASY Hardest part is getting some of the hose clamps off, depending on which way they're facing.

More then likely you're in need of plenum work. It's not too terrible, some people have all kinds of problems with bolts breaking off in the threads, I didn't have any of those issues.

You can pull the throttle body off, and take a look down into the kegger with a small dental mirror and look for pooling oil, could just be a bad PCV Valve and/or blown plenum gasket, best to replace both at the same time....

 

There is no difference in radiators with or without tow package.

 

Ok Guys...

I have not done much on the replacement of the radiator yet although I did go out this morning and try to do some more diagnostics to see where it was leaking from.

Sitting in the driveway just idling it seems I have to have the engine running for about 10 minutes before it begins to drip. Where from?.... I am not exactly sure yet. I was going to try to remove the shroud some or at least pull it back a bit but the top bolt to the shroud on the driver's side is a pain to get to as it is right underneath one of the hoses and is awfully hard to get to. And since I have to go to work in another hour or so... I wasn't going to remove the hose. Now there is a little open corner that I did shine a flashlight down once it did start to drip and you can see inside the shroud somewhat and from the metal part of the radiator it seemed to be all dry. When I does drip... it drips right around where the drain valve is... but I do not think it is dripping from the valve itself. I am not certain... but maybe it is leaking from the seam between the metal and plastic on the bottom side of the radiator.

It is a very minor leak right now... but any leak is something to be concerned about. It does seem that it only leaks after the pressure it built up as since I parked it on Sunday night until I started it this morning... it did not leak one bit.

Unless anyone has any suggestions... I guess the best thing to do is when I have the time to take it out and inspect it and replace it if necessary.

So that is the update. Thanks again for any and all help/suggestions.

You guys ROCK!!

 

These radiators tend to leak at the seam vbetweent he aluminum core and the plastic end cap. Not a good way to repair...replacement is the only sure bet. As mentioned, not a tough job, and no difference between towing package and no towing. I think the differences in truck is the addition of trans cooler and of course trailer wiring and factory hitch assy.

 

Maybe when you get it back home you could use a small hand mirror from underneath the truck and locate the leak.