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Radiator replacement

4K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  AzTraveller 
#1 ·
Happy Holidays everyone,
I am about to tackle replacing the radiator on my wife's 2004 Town and Country mini van. Does anyone have step by step or advice on how to proceed? I discovered the radiator steaming when I took my wife last minute Christmas shopping. Closer examination reveals anti freeze leaking all over the drivers side fan and some fluid missing from the expansion tank. The car was in an accident a few years back and I thought they replaced the radiator (they said they did). Shop folded so no recourse there. Any help would be great! Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Factory service manual or Haynes Manual ($15 or so at Advance Auto Parts or similar shop).

Have not done it myself on a minivan.
 
#3 ·
Done it too many times to count on one hand (several vehicles).
:lol:
Get that Haynes manual ! ! ! :thumb:
The fan shroud has a couple of bolts to hold the top to the radiator. Unplug the power cables to the fans, and carefully remove it by lifting up.

Disconnect the tranny cooler lines to the radiator. Plug them with something that fits the lines (if hoses, a bolt usually works) if steel lines, get a couple of vacuum line caps from the auto store, pull the threads back and cover the line flanges.

Disconnect the large coolant lines to the engine (now is a "good" time to replace these, as well). You also may wish to replace the t-stat and radiator cap (good insurance).

Locate the bolts on each side of the radiator and remove them. The radiator should lift up and out. Take it to a "reputable" radiator shop. :headbange

I usually request an additional "threaded plug" installed in the upper tank. I use that to connect a pressure gauge to. Either directly, or via a flexible hose (0 - 16 or 20 psi max -- verifies I'm holding pressure).:biggrin:

Reverse the steps to replace. Refill with 50/50 coolant, burp it (other threads explain those steps), refill the tranny fluid (ATF4). :thumb:

Make sure you use NEW Clamps on ALL hoses.

Keep us informed. :beerchug:
 
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