Radiator Removal and Service

Complete removal and service of the radiator assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, including coolant drain, hose disconnection, and fan shroud removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose clamps × 2 — Replace if corroded
• Lower radiator hose clamps × 2 — Replace if corroded
• Radiator cap × 1 — Replace if over 5 years old

Fluids

• Mopar HOAT coolant 50/50 — 19 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by releasing push-pin fasteners
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location at driver side bottom of radiator

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain Engine Coolant
   Slowly remove the radiator cap by turning counterclockwise to relieve any residual pressure. Locate the 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. This will take several minutes. Note that draining at the petcock removes only part of the total cooling system capacity; refer to the factory service manual for exact system capacity. Once drained, close the petcock hand-tight only using the specified torque.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove Upper Radiator Hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connecting the radiator to the engine coolant outlet/thermostat housing. Verify the exact routing against the factory service manual for the 8.4L V10 before disconnecting. Use hose clamp pliers to release the spring clamp at the radiator end. Slide the clamp back along the hose away from the radiator neck. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it off the radiator neck. Allow any remaining coolant to drain. Repeat for the thermostat housing end if removing the hose completely.
3. 3

   Remove Lower Radiator Hose
   Access the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator. Release the spring clamp using hose clamp pliers and slide it back along the hose. Twist and pull the hose off the radiator outlet. Be prepared for additional coolant drainage. Leave the engine block end connected unless replacing the hose.
4. 4

   Disconnect Coolant Overflow Hose
   Locate the small overflow hose connected to the radiator neck near the radiator cap. This hose runs to the coolant overflow reservoir. Release the clamp and disconnect the hose from the radiator neck. Leave the reservoir end connected.
5. 5

   Remove Engine Cooling Fan Shroud
   Locate the fan shroud mounting bolts around the perimeter of the shroud. Remove the fan shroud mounting fasteners (quantity per factory service manual) securing the shroud to the radiator using a socket and ratchet. Carefully lift the fan shroud assembly up and out of the engine bay, maneuvering around the fan blades and accessory drive components. Verify fan type before proceeding. The 2008 Viper uses electric cooling fan(s) mounted to the shroud assembly; disconnect the fan electrical connector(s) and remove the shroud/fan assembly together rather than leaving a fan on the water pump.
   Torque spec

   Fan Shroud Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect Radiator Mounting Hardware
   Locate the radiator mounting brackets at the top of the radiator assembly. Remove the upper radiator mounting bolts (quantity per factory service manual) securing the radiator to the radiator support using a socket. These bolts thread into the upper radiator brackets. Check for lower mounting bushings or pins that secure the bottom of the radiator into the lower radiator support.
7. 7

   Remove Radiator Assembly
   With all hoses and mounting hardware disconnected, carefully lift the radiator straight up and out of the engine bay. The radiator will lift out of lower locating bushings if present. Guide the radiator carefully around the fan and engine components. Have an assistant help if needed due to the size and weight of the assembly. Place the radiator on a clean work surface for inspection or service.
8. 8

   Inspect Radiator and Components
   With the radiator removed, inspect the core for damage, leaks, or clogging. Check radiator fins for debris and bent fins. Inspect both hoses for cracks, swelling, or soft spots and replace if any deterioration is found. Inspect the radiator cap seal for damage. Check mounting bushings and brackets for wear. Pressure test the radiator if leak diagnosis is the reason for removal.

Reassembly

1. Clean the radiator mounting surfaces and lower locating bushings before installing the radiator
2. Ensure lower radiator bushings are properly seated in the radiator support before lowering the radiator into position
3. Install the radiator by reversing the removal steps, ensuring proper alignment with mounting brackets
4. Torque radiator mount bolts to specification, being careful not to overtighten plastic mounting points
5. Install the fan shroud and torque mounting bolts to specification
6. Reconnect all hoses with new clamps if originals are corroded, ensuring hoses are fully seated on their necks
7. Close the drain petcock and torque to specification (hand-tight only)
8. Fill the cooling system with Mopar HOAT 50/50 coolant through the radiator cap opening until full
9. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the radiator cap loose to allow air to escape
10. Check coolant level once thermostat opens and top off as needed
11. Install radiator cap and check for leaks around all connection points
12. Reconnect negative battery cable and reinstall engine cover

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at hose connections, drain petcock, or radiator seams
• Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and verify cooling fan operation
• Check that coolant level is at proper mark on overflow reservoir when engine is hot
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge for normal operation
• Recheck coolant level after engine cools and top off if needed
• Inspect under vehicle for any coolant drips or puddles after first drive

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