6.9 Radiator Replacement
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6.9 Radiator Replacement
Looks like I am starting to have a little coolant leak coming from the radiator . Is this a job that can be done at home? It would be nearly half the price to install it myself if I bought the radiator from NAPA
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,101
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From: Poway, CA
Yeah, radiator replacement is pretty easy.
1. Drain coolant. You'll need to drain the block as well. There's a small brass plug on either side of the block.
2. Remove hoses.
3. Unbolt fan shroud from radiator. Lay back towards engine.
4. Unbolt radiator from support. Remove, but be careful not to bang it against the AC cooler (assuming you have AC).
5. Flush system, if desired. Million ways to do this. Comes down to personal preference, really.
6. Take care of any other coolant- related jobs while you're in there. Might as well since it's drained. Thermostat, water pump, heater core, or anything else that needs addressed.
7. Put it all back together. Using a coolant with SCAs in it is a smart idea, but not as necessary with the 6.9 as the 7.3 IDI. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
There were two radiators offered in these trucks, generally referred to as the 'short / wide' and the 'tall / skinny'. If your truck came with factory AC, it should have the latter, which is good because it's more common. If you have the tall one, google Champion Radiator. It's a popular option and can be found on eBay, Amazon, etc. They make a 2-row, 3-row, and 4-row. My $. 02, go as big as you can afford for peace of mind.
Mike
1. Drain coolant. You'll need to drain the block as well. There's a small brass plug on either side of the block.
2. Remove hoses.
3. Unbolt fan shroud from radiator. Lay back towards engine.
4. Unbolt radiator from support. Remove, but be careful not to bang it against the AC cooler (assuming you have AC).
5. Flush system, if desired. Million ways to do this. Comes down to personal preference, really.
6. Take care of any other coolant- related jobs while you're in there. Might as well since it's drained. Thermostat, water pump, heater core, or anything else that needs addressed.
7. Put it all back together. Using a coolant with SCAs in it is a smart idea, but not as necessary with the 6.9 as the 7.3 IDI. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
There were two radiators offered in these trucks, generally referred to as the 'short / wide' and the 'tall / skinny'. If your truck came with factory AC, it should have the latter, which is good because it's more common. If you have the tall one, google Champion Radiator. It's a popular option and can be found on eBay, Amazon, etc. They make a 2-row, 3-row, and 4-row. My $. 02, go as big as you can afford for peace of mind.
Mike
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,389
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From: Mi'kma'ki
i have to disagree with ya on that one Mike.yes it is just as important to properly protect the 6.9l against cavitation as the 7.3l by running and maintaining proper SCA levels.
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