Radiator

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the radiator on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, including coolant drainage, fan removal, and transmission cooler line disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Replace if cracked or worn
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Replace if cracked or worn
• Hose clamps × 4 — Worm gear style
• Radiator drain petcock × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Transmission cooler line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange) — 18 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
5. Place drain pan beneath radiator

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant system
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the driver side lower corner of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. If petcock is stuck or broken, disconnect the lower radiator hose instead.
2. 2

   Remove engine cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect the electrical connector from the engine cooling fan motor. Remove the four fan shroud mounting bolts that secure the fan assembly to the radiator. Carefully lift the fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine compartment as a single unit.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Use pliers or hose clamp tool to reposition the upper radiator hose clamp away from the radiator neck. Twist the hose gently to break it free, then pull it off the radiator inlet. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   Reposition the lower radiator hose clamp away from the radiator outlet. Twist and pull the lower hose off the radiator. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into the pan.
5. 5

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate the two transmission cooler lines connected to the right side of the radiator. Use the appropriate transmission line disconnect tool to release the spring clips. Push the tool onto the line fitting until it clicks, then pull the line straight out. Cap or plug the lines to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Note the orientation of upper and lower lines for reassembly.
   ⚠Some transmission fluid will drain from the lines. Keep drain pan positioned to catch fluid.
6. 6

   Remove radiator mounting brackets
   Remove the two upper radiator mounting bolts that secure the radiator hold-down brackets. These are located at the top corners of the radiator. Lift the brackets straight up and off the radiator mounting tabs.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove radiator from vehicle
   Carefully lift the radiator straight up and out of the engine compartment. The radiator sits on two lower rubber isolators/mounts. Tilt the top of the radiator slightly toward the engine to clear the radiator support, then lift it out. Take care not to damage the radiator fins or condenser if equipped with A/C.
8. 8

   Inspect and transfer components
   Inspect the lower radiator mounting insulators for wear or damage and replace if necessary. If the drain petcock is damaged, remove it from the old radiator and install a new one on the replacement radiator hand-tight. Transfer any brackets or hardware from the old radiator to the new unit.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new radiator
   Position the new radiator over the lower mounting insulators. Carefully lower the radiator into place, ensuring the lower tabs seat fully into the rubber isolators. Tilt as needed to clear the radiator support and condenser.
10. 10

    Install radiator mounting brackets
    Place the upper radiator hold-down brackets over the upper mounting tabs on the radiator. Install and torque the two radiator mounting bolts to specification. Do not overtighten as the mounting points are plastic and can crack.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect transmission cooler lines
    Install new O-rings on the transmission cooler line fittings, lubricating lightly with transmission fluid. Push each line firmly into the radiator fitting until you hear and feel a click indicating the spring clip has engaged. Tug gently on each line to verify secure connection. Ensure upper and lower lines are connected to their original positions.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect radiator hoses
    Slide the lower radiator hose onto the radiator outlet and position it fully. Install a new hose clamp and tighten to specification. Repeat for the upper radiator hose at the radiator inlet. Ensure hoses are fully seated before tightening clamps.
    Torque spec

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Lower the cooling fan and shroud assembly into position, aligning the mounting tabs with the holes in the radiator. Install the four fan mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector.
14. 14

    Fill cooling system
    Close the radiator drain petcock, torquing to specification (hand-tight for plastic petcock). Fill the radiator and coolant reservoir with ACDelco DEX-COOL orange coolant to the proper level. Use a coolant funnel adapter if available to help purge air from the system. Fill slowly to minimize air pockets.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Bleed cooling system and check for leaks
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the heater on high. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Watch for leaks at all connection points. Once the thermostat opens and coolant circulates, turn off the engine and recheck coolant level when cool. Top off as needed. Reinstall engine cover.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature gauge closely during initial run. If temperature rises abnormally, shut off engine immediately and check for air pockets or leaks.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Confirm transmission cooler lines are securely clicked into place

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator, hoses, or transmission cooler lines
• Confirm cooling fan operates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Check that engine reaches and maintains normal operating temperature (approximately 195-220°F)
• Verify heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• Recheck coolant level after first drive cycle and top off if needed
• Check transmission fluid level after vehicle reaches operating temperature and top off if needed

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