Radiator Installation

[Metallic2001]

My radiator has a small leak and I was wondering how difficult it is to replace on your own. I went to a shop and they quoted me at $330. I checked Auto Zones Website and I can buy the radiator there for $200. I was just wondering how much work it is to replace on an Explorer. I had a 1990 Accord that I changed the radiator on and it wasnt too much work that I can remember. Thanks for all threads.

 

[410Fortune]

It is pretty straight forward and can be done with a few simple tools.
A good time to replace the thermostat as well.

Often the stock tanks leak where the metal core meets the plastic side tanks.
the tabs can sometimes be crimped down more and stop the leak.

two bolts are all that holds you radiator assembly in place, the bottom sits inside rubber pads.
However the ac condensor may be attached with platic clips, and those can be tricky, but with the new unit in hand you can see how they work.

would take me an hour or a bit more depending on how slow I went.
You dont have to remove the fan, you can remove the shroud and let it hang onthe fan then pull the radiator straight up and out, but this is when you have to unclip the condensor....

So removing the fan can give you more room to work, this requires a special set of wrenches, the Ford fan tool. You can rent at most auto parts places for free, just leave deposit.

 

[Vanquish502]

Installing it yourself, including all the time and agrivation, is worth saving $130

 

[marragtop]

You might want to checkout radiatorworld.com. Should be about $130. As the previous post said, it's a pretty easy installation.

 

[Rhett]

It's an easy job as you were thinking. The only hard part you may run into would be the automatic transmission fittings. (Since you have a Limited, I am pretty sure you have an automatic transmission). Those fittings can be pretty solidly on there. Spray them with some PB Blaster or other quality penetrant to loosen them up.

 

[Metallic2001]

"Often the stock tanks leak where the metal core meets the plastic side tanks. the tabs can sometimes be crimped down more and stop the leak."

Yeah its leaking there on the corner where you said the metal meets the plastic sides. It will only leak sometimes when the car is cold it seems like. Once it warms up it doesnt really leak anymore. I'll drive all over and not see a drop. At the shop where I had the pressure test done they said they had full pressure on it and they couldnt really see it leaking but they could see where it was wet on the corner of the radiator where the metal tabs are. I am just wondering how long I can go before it busts since it will probably be about 2 weeks before i'll be able to get around to it and it seems like a very very slow leak...

I appreciate the info!

 

[PTBishop]

don't get your radiator from autozone, find somewhere with a 5 year or lifetime warranty on parts, you get what you pay for. autozone in my opinion sells junk. at my shop, i will not order from them, because i can't trust there parts to work.

 

[prozachappy]

www.radiatorbarn.com
$120.00
free shipping
next day delivery
lifetime warranties on all their radiators
great customer service
I have bought a few radiators and a/c condensers from them, and I can speak first hand to their warranty guarantee...no questions asked they paid to have the defective radiator shipped back to them and I was mail a check that week.

Highly recommend.

 

[big_hoovie]

The radiator isn't really a big issue to change, but if your X still has the stock one, you may have to cut the lower radiator hose(and possibly replace it, if you don't have enough left to re-attach to the new radiator). Also, after you change your radiator, you will want to check the transmission fluid levels. As for time, I recently(this past saturday) changed mine, and as it was my first radiator ever, it took me about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to do - of course working in 30 degree weather doesn't help either


regarding when rhett said about the auto tras fittings - even without using any penetrant, I was able to loosen the nuts to remove the lines from the trans. You will need to use two wrenches to do it though - one to hold the fitting in place, and one to move the nut. If you only use one, it could be an interesting time.

gl

 

[Rhett]

I am just wondering how long I can go before it busts since it will probably be about 2 weeks before i'll be able to get around to it and it seems like a very very slow leak...

Usually, these plastic and metal rad's leak slowly for a long time before the leak gets so bad that you can't keep up with it anymore. I hope yours can go the 2 weeks.

 

[410Fortune]

can likely go years IMO.

 

[big_hoovie]

Mine only lasted a couple of months...