After replacing my water pump, upper/lower hoses, thermostat and housing two weeks ago, I realized that I still had coolant leaking.

It turns out that it's the lower left side of my radiator that only seems to spring a leak when the engine is run at high rpms for a few seconds. This seems to be a pretty simple job, but I've just got a few questions.

• When disconnecting the trans cooler lines, will there be any fluid that leaks out? Also, does anyone happen to know how much fluid will have to be replaced to account for what was left inside the old radiator?
• What is the approximate amount of coolant that is held in the radiator? I'm trying to keep a 60/40 mix of coolant/water due to the cooooold winters in SD.

Thanks for the help in advance!

 

If I were doing the swap I'd just plan on flushing the coolant system. I think there is just over a gallon of fluid in the rad, but I could be wrong. I think its 3 gallons to fill the entire system, but agian, I could be wrong.

Yes, trans fluid will leak out. Not tons, but some. I'd pick up an extra quart, but in theory you should have one in the garage anyway.

 

Thanks!

I almost had everything back together...tried to adjust the top trans cooler line and the line bent over and pinched off. Gotta figure out a way to resolve that now...I was so close. Haha

 

just use a fuel injector hose, thats how my lower line is cause i couldnt get the stupid quick connect fitting off, also makes it twice as easy to install an aux trans cooler haha

 

If you do this please make sure to use a flare tool on the ends so there is no chance of leaking.

 

Thanks for the ideas!

My dad had a piece of 3/8in copper tubing with a 90 degree bend already in it. We used that, put a flare on the end connecting to the radiator, and used a compression coupler to attach it to the original hose. Came out pretty good and doesn't leak a bit! Best of all, it didn't cost $32.99 like the piece I was looking at.



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