How-To: Radiator Replacement 1999 GMC Jimmy.

[GMcarnut]

Hello,

 

So apparently the thermostat replacement didn't resolve all of the overheating issues that plagued my gf's Jimmy. Rather, the poor thing needed a new radiator. Thankfully a radiator job isn't too expensive or mechanically demanding so I was able to valiantly ride in on my proverbial dainty steed and save the girl once again

 

Here's the procedure for replacing the radiator on a '99 GMC Jimmy:

 

 

1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.

 

2) Drain the engine cooling system.

 

3) If equipped, remove the air inlet duct.

 

4) Disconnect the overflow hose from the radiator, then disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses.

 

5) If equipped with A/C, it may be necessary to remove the A/C hose retaining clip and reposition the hose for shroud and/or radiator removal. DO NOT disconnect any refrigerant fittings.

 

If equipped with a 1 piece shroud, then shroud may be unbolted from the radiator support and pushed back over the cooling fan instead of removing it completely.

 

6) If equipped with a 2 piece radiator/fan shroud, remove the upper fan shroud-to-radiator support bolts and the upper fan shroud-to-lower fan shroud retainers. Remove the upper shroud from the vehicle.

 

7) If equipped with an A/T, disconnect and plug the fluid cooler lines at the radiator. Plug all openings to prevent system contamination or excessive fluid loss.

 

8) If equipped with a factory engine oil cooler which is integral to the radiator, disconnect and plug the oil cooler lines at the radiator. Plug all openings to prevent system contamination or excessive fluid loss. Plug all openings to prevent system contamination or excessive fluid loss.

 

9) If equipped, remove the lower fan shroud.

 

10) Lift the radiator straight upward from the supports and from the vehicle. Be careful to lift the radiator straight upward and not to tilt it excessively as the radiator will still contain a significant amount of coolant and, if applicable, transmission fluid/engine oil.

 

*diagram courtesy of gmpartsgiant.com

 

 

-To Install-

 

1) Lower the radiator into position on the supports.

 

2) If equipped, install the lower fan shroud.

 

3) If equipped, remove the plugs, then connect the engine oil cooler lines and tighten the fittings.

 

4) If equipped with an A/T, remove the plugs, then connect the transmission fluid cooler lines and tighten the fittings.

 

5) Install the upper fan shroud and secure using the support and lower shroud retainers.

 

6) If applicable, reposition the A/C refrigerant hose and secure using the retaining clip.

 

7) Connect the overflow hose, upper and lower radiator hoses.

 

8) If equipped, install the air inlet duct.

 

9) Properly refill the engine cooling system.