radiator replacement

[ZuBo9231]

i have a leak in my radiator and i am going to replace it myself. I just want to know if when i take out my radiator do i have to take out the A/C condensor to or can i just leave it in and just take out the radiator. Ur answers will be appreciated.

 

[smcgee1979]

on my 97 the condensor could stay put.

 

[Fifty150]

On my '97, the condenser and radiator are attached by special brackets. I've done it both ways.

It is a lot easier to disconnect all the lines and remove the radiator with the A/C condenser since they are attached to each other by way of brackets. In a shop environment, you can hook the A/C lines up to a machine to bleed the system, recover the old gas, and recharge the A/C system once you're done. Not possible to do in your home's driveway, so this isn't even an option.

It was a lot harder disconnecting all the brackets, removing just the radiator, and then trying to re-mount the two units together with the limited space in the engine bay. But, it could be done. As a do-it-yourselfer, this is your only option unless you just happen to have air conditioning machines in your house.

According to the Haynes manual: it's only on the 5.0L V8 that you have to remove the plastic clips that hold the radiator to the A/C condenser. If you've got a V6, then the A/C condenser may not even be attached to the radiator.

 

[DaExplorer]

Just changed mine on Monday. Stupid plastic tanks. ( apparently they don't make an alumumim one for the 95 to 97 so replaced with another plastic tank model) Mine is a 97 and should be similar to the 01. Was fairly simple and no messing with the A/C stuff. First took off the bottom rubber piece to expose the drain and the bolt that holds the transmission cooler lines for the external cooler. After draining the radiator I took the two bolts for the fan shroud out and hung the shroud over the fan. Took the two radiator hoses off and the overflow hose. Then took the transmission lines off, the ones that go through the drivers side of the radiator. The bottom one was a bit of a pain to break loose. Then took the two bolts off that hold the radiator to the grill area. The radiator then lifts straight up and out. The A/C lines and condensor stay in place. Replacement was fairly easy.
Hope this helps

 

[Fifty150]

Stupid plastic tanks. ( apparently they don't make an alumumim one for the 95 to 97 so replaced with another plastic tank model)

The whole thing is plastic? No aluminum core and cooling fins? Just one big plastic tank?

 

[DaExplorer]

Plastic tank with aluminum core. I wanted the all aluminum one. Seems That the plastic tanks crack. I still need to replace the one in my f-350 and when I get around to it before next summer will get the all aluminum one.

 

[Fifty150]

Which brand did you get?

 

[DaExplorer]

Silla, from Radiator Express, $134. delivered. Ordered on Friday and delivered Monday morning.

 

[Fifty150]

That sounds like a good price. I just got a Proliance Ready Rad which is available from Summit Racing, O'Reilly's, amazon.com, Rock Auto, et cetera. Actually, it was my second one. My first one leaked at the transmission fittings. Most likely from over-torque (but I'll never admit it). The first one was replaced without a problem. Good warranty. Good phone support. The second one has been fine ever since.

 

[ZuBo9231]

thanks guys this helps alot

 

[ZuBo9231]

your explorer is a v6 do you think its different from the v8 which mine is