Radiator Explanation

RADIATOR DESCRIPTION
A heavy duty cross-flow aluminum/plastic radiator is used. The radiator consists of an aluminum core and plastic end tanks, which are fastened to the core with clinch tabs and sealed with a high temperature rubber gasket.

Vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions use a combination A/C condenser/transmission oil cooler located on the front of the radiator.

If the plastic tank has been damaged, individual parts are not available, and the radiator must be replaced.

RADIATOR OPERATION
As air passes through the radiator core, the heat within the coolant is dissipated into the ambient air.

RADIATOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - RADIATOR COOLANT FLOW

The following procedure will determine if coolant is flowing through the cooling system.

If engine is cold, idle engine until normal operating temperature is reached. Then feel the upper radiator hose. If hose is hot, the thermostat is open and water is circulating through cooling system.

RADIATOR REMOVAL, GAS ENGINE

CAUTION: When removing the radiator or A/C condenser for any reason, note the location of all radiator-to-body and radiator-to-A/C condenser rubber air seals. These are used at the top, bottom and sides of the radiator and A/C condenser. To prevent overheating, these seals must be installed to their original positions.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Remove the air cleaner body. Refer to BODY, AIR CLEANER, REMOVAL for 3.0L or BODY, AIR CLEANER, REMOVAL for 3.6L.

3. Drain the cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

4. Recover the A/C refrigerant. Refer to PLUMBING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

5. Remove the radiator crossmember. Refer to CROSSMEMBER, RADIATOR, REMOVAL .

6. Remove the push pin fasteners and the right and left side air deflectors.

7. Remove the nuts (3, 5) the A/C lines (2, 4) from the condenser.

8. Remove the bolt securing the condenser lines to the radiator.

9. On automatic transmission models, remove the bolt (1) and the transmission cooler lines (3) to the transmission cooler (4).

10. Remove the coolant recover bottle hose from the radiator and the fan shroud.

11. Lift up and remove the coolant recovery bottle.

12. Remove the upper radiator hose (1).

13. Remove the fasteners and the upper radiator upper seal (2).

14. Disconnect the cooling fan wire harness connector (3).

15. Remove the upper bolts for the electric cooling fan shroud from radiator.

16. Remove the lower radiator hose (1).

17. Lift the radiator up and out of vehicle taking care not to damage radiator fins.

18. Remove the bolts (4) and the transmission cooler (5).

19. Remove the bolts (3) and the A/C condenser (2) from the radiator (1).

RADIATOR - INSPECTION
The radiator cooling fins should be checked for damage or deterioration. Inspect cooling fins to make sure they are not bent or crushed. These areas result in reduced heat exchange causing the cooling system to operate at higher temperatures. Inspect the plastic end tanks for cracks, damage or leaks. Inspect the radiator neck for damage or distortion.

RADIATOR INSTALLATION - GAS ENGINE

CAUTION: Before installing the radiator or A/C condenser, be sure the radiator-to-body and radiator- to-A/C condenser rubber air seals are properly fastened to their original positions. These

1. Install the A/C condenser (2) onto the radiator (1). Tighten the bolts (3) to 5 N.m (44 in. lbs.).

2. Install the transmission cooler (5). Tighten the bolts (4) to 8 N.m (71 in. lbs.).

3. Install the radiator into the vehicle.

4. Install the lower radiator hose (1).

5. Position the lower cooling fan tabs onto the mounts located on the radiator (4).

6. Install the cooling fan shroud bolts and tighten to 5 N.m (44 in. lbs.).

7. Connect the cooling fan wire harness connector (3).

8. Install the upper radiator seal (2) and fasteners.

9. Install the upper radiator hose (1).

10. Install the coolant recovery bottle onto the fan shroud.

11. Install the coolant recovery bottle hose onto fan shroud and radiator.

12. On automatic transmission models, install the transmission cooler lines (3). Tighten the bolt (1)
to 8 N.m (70 in. lbs.).

13. Install the bolt securing the A/C condenser lines to radiator and tighten to 5 N.m (44 in. lbs.).

14. Install the A/C lines (2, 4) to the condenser. Tighten nuts (3, 5) to 23 N.m (17 ft. lbs.).

15. Install the right and left side air deflectors and push pin fasteners.

16. Install the radiator crossmember. Refer to CROSSMEMBER, RADIATOR, INSTALLATION .

17. Evacuate and charge the A/C system. Refer to PLUMBING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

18. Fill the cooling system with correct coolant. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

19. Install the air cleaner body. Refer to BODY, AIR CLEANER, INSTALLATION for 3.0L or BODY, AIR CLEANER, INSTALLATION for 3.6L.

20. Connect the battery negative cable.

21. Start engine and check for leaks.