'01 Radiator Removal/Replacement

[jmmorgan82]

Hi gents, I've searched endlessly for a write-up or hints on r/r the radiator in my '01 ST but have come up empty. I've changed out a radiator plenty of times before so it should be easy, but I was just wondering if any special tools would be needed, especially with the tranny cooler lines. Also, I'm seeing a 1" channel and 2" channel replacement. Should I just go out and measure it? Anything else you would recommend replacing while I've got it out? Thanks!

Note: I do not have a Haynes/Chiltons yet as the local parts stores never have them in.

 

[bdmaash]

Hi gents, I've searched endlessly for a write-up or hints on r/r the radiator in my '01 ST but have come up empty. I've changed out a radiator plenty of times before so it should be easy, but I was just wondering if any special tools would be needed, especially with the tranny cooler lines. Also, I'm seeing a 1" channel and 2" channel replacement. Should I just go out and measure it? Anything else you would recommend replacing while I've got it out? Thanks!

Note: I do not have a Haynes/Chiltons yet as the local parts stores never have them in.

remove radiator fan (check how it's threaded), remove shroud - 2 bolts (shroud and fan come up together), remove small hose to overflow tank,
2 rad hoses, remove transmission lines, unclip transmission lines from the bottom of the radiator also.
pull out old rad - 2 bolts, make sure all clips and fasteners are the same as the old rad, put in new rad, install the parts/hoses
I put in a 2"wide channel core (used to be 1"), no fitment/clearance issues

 

[Markaprice73]

Youtube video - 1995 Ford Explorer Radiator Repair
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg7jrkQ7Eqw

-I used the Spectra CU2310 1" channel. I believe it refers to the 2 mounts it rests in. Measure to be sure.
-You do not have to remove the fan. Just place the shroud over it out of your way. Otherwise, it's the same as the video.
-I would flush the entire cooling system with the proper coolant. (I think yours uses "the green stuff").
-Replace the thermostat as-well while your at it. Use a Motorcraft RT1167 thermostat and o-ring seal RG637(sold separately)
-I only lost a few drips of transmission fluid. I had a bottle of Motorcraft Mercon V on hand just in case I needed to top off.
-Be sure to bleed the cooling system after (heat on-running until up to temp) and check the reservoir the next morning while cold to top off.
-Take your time and good luck.
-Enjoy a fresh cooing system you hopefully won't have to think about again for a few years. (coolant change)

 

[jmmorgan82]

Sounds about as easy as my past vehicles, thanks! Can I unclip the tranny lines without any special tools? All of my previous vehicles have been 5-speeds so I haven't had to mess with them before.

 

[Markaprice73]

Thermostat replacement is in these contents. Courtesy of Ben Grosser - mysporttrac.com
http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

 

[Markaprice73]

Just a wrench. No special tools

 

[Markaprice73]

I put in a 2"wide channel core (used to be 1"), no fitment/clearance issues

..good to know. Interesting. Do you have a way of monitoring you coolant temp? (ScanGaugeII) Just curious to know what temp yours runs at. Mine always runs (all warmed up) at 193F. Give or take 2 degrees here and there while cruising steadily along.

 

[swshawaii]

Oops, please delete.

 

[jmmorgan82]

For anyone else wondering how hard it is to change out our radiators, it took me all of 45 minutes with plenty of beverage breaks. The removal was just as easy as posted above.