Anyone Know How to Replace a Radiator?

[JeepFreak]

I found a new radiator that fits my XJ like a glove from another member and I was wondering how easy it is to install a new one WITHOUT going to a mechanic. I'm going to buy the new radiator and I want to install it myself. Does anyone have a step by step way to install the new one? If anyone has done it before please let me know. My Jeep is a 1994 Cherokee Sport 4WD 4.0L 6 cyl.

[Mudderoy]

I found a new radiator that fits my XJ like a glove from another member and I was wondering how easy it is to install a new one WITHOUT going to a mechanic. I'm going to buy the new radiator and I want to install it myself. Does anyone have a step by step way to install the new one? If anyone has done it before please let me know. My Jeep is a 1994 Cherokee Sport 4WD 4.0L 6 cyl.

Now I'm going to caution you. I've been fighting a running hot problem with my 98 Jeep Cherokee for over 5 years. I recently fixed it and it was solved with a Mopar STOCK radiator.

You may not have a problem with that used radiator, or you may.

Replacing the radiator is pretty simple. Takes a couple of hours if you're new to doing it.

http://youtu.be/e_HYK48iE44

[JeepFreak]

Oh it's a new one lol. I'm not buying it from the member, I found the dealer from the member on Amazon but if it's cheaper at AutoZone I will be buying it from them.

Now I've watched that video before so when you take the fan out, does it just come out without unbolting the fan itself because I watched him just remove the whole thing all at once? Not only that but when you drain it would a simple oil catcher be big enough to catch ALL the fluid? I'm not sure I have the instaclip tools either. So another question is, how much are those instaclip tools and should I get new hoses? And if I should get new hoses, how do I replace them? Just pull off the old ones and attach new ones? My transmission already has a patch job that is working on the coolant lines so how do I remove the lines without spilling fluid everywhere because doesn't the tranny fluid flow through the coolant lines, or is that antifreeze too?

[Carves]

Oh it's a new one lol. I'm not buying it from the member, I found the dealer from the member on Amazon but if it's cheaper at AutoZone I will be buying it from them.

Now I've watched that video before so when you take the fan out, does it just come out without unbolting the fan itself because I watched him just remove the whole thing all at once?

Yes it can ... but watch out you don't ruin the fins on the new rad when you fit it.

A big piece of cardboard or a real estate sign (corflute) between the rad and fan can be handy .... but I would suggest removing the fan - if its as easy a job as the rhd export models.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Cooling%20Bits/ClutchFan09.jpg

Since Im normally checking a few things when the rad comes out ... I like to have a bit of space to play around in .. ;);)

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/EngineB01.jpg


Not only that but when you drain it would a simple oil catcher be big enough to catch ALL the fluid? I'm not sure I have the instaclip tools either.

Should be 12qts for a complete fill ... how bigs your drip bucket .. ;) .. :D
The disconnect tools should be as cheap as chips from most auto accessory shops ... I've got a cheap set like this, that work fine .....

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Tools%20and%20Test/Fuel%20Oil%20Air%20quick%20discos/ACLine01a_zps95ea1462.jpg

Some of the XJ oil cooler lines had 2 plastic tabs poking out of the fitting ... If so - just give em a squeeze while pushing on the connector ... and then gently tug the hose off the fitting.


So another question is, how much are those instaclip tools and should I get new hoses? And if I should get new hoses, how do I replace them? Just pull off the old ones and attach new ones? My transmission already has a patch job that is working on the coolant lines so how do I remove the lines without spilling fluid everywhere because doesn't the tranny fluid flow through the coolant lines, or is that antifreeze too?

You can just use rubber tranny hose from an auto shop and hose clamps if you have to.

You wont lose much tranny oil disconnecting the lines from the rad ... just have your drip bucket and rags handy ...
Dont forget to check the tranny oil level when everything is back together. ;);)

Dangling in the radiator is this useless little thing ... Theres no mixing of tranny fluid/coolant ... unless something is cracked/broken.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/In-RadiatorHeatExchanger.jpg


If your model has these on the top of the rad ... make sure they are serviceable ... they absorb vibration - which is good for rad joins, welds and seals ... and help prevent the rad bouncing around touching the fanblades. theres a couple of simple rubber grommets at the bottom on the cross member.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Cooling%20Bits/RadMnt01.jpg http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n629/carves-oz/Vehicle%20Bits/Cooling%20Bits/RadMnt02.jpg

[bad luck]

Tony when you replaced your radiator with the oem mopar radiator, did you hook up the lines from the tranny. Or did you just use the aftermarket tranny cooler?

[Brasscatz]

Also good to mention that when you check your transmission fluid after you are done, check it with the engine running at operating temperature and in neutral with the emergency brake on.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[JeepFreak]

Wow this is a lot of info to take in lol I'll post up pics of my Jeep's radiator before I take it out so everyone can see what I'm dealing with. I'd rather not start tearing apart such a major piece of the machine without first consulting some of you guys.