Radiator Removal and Service

Complete removal and service procedure for the radiator on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, including coolant drain, hose disconnection, and fan shroud removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose (if damaged) × 1 — OEM replacement recommended
• Upper radiator hose (if damaged) × 1 — OEM replacement recommended
• Transmission cooler line washers × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing old clamps) × 4 — Worm-drive style
• Maserati OAT Coolant × 3 — Part# 68226745AA or equivalent

Fluids

• Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
3. Remove engine undertray by removing Torx T30 fasteners
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent fan activation
5. Place large drain pan beneath radiator drain petcock location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant system
   Locate the drain petcock on the driver's side lower corner of the radiator. Carefully loosen the plastic drain valve by turning counterclockwise by hand only. Allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. Once drained, hand-tighten the petcock to prevent drips during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper radiator cover and air intake components
   Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the front edge to release clips. Remove the upper radiator trim panel by releasing the clip fasteners. Loosen the clamp on the air intake tube at the throttle body and remove the intake tube to provide access to the upper radiator area.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Using hose clamp pliers, reposition the spring clamp on the upper radiator hose at the radiator neck. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull firmly to disconnect. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage. Inspect the hose for cracks or deterioration.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   From beneath the vehicle, locate the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator. Reposition the hose clamp using hose clamp pliers. Twist and pull the hose to disconnect. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into the pan.
5. 5

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate the two transmission cooler lines on the driver's side of the radiator. Place a catch pan beneath the connections. Using a 13mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen both cooler line fittings. Cap or plug the lines immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Discard the old sealing washers.
   ⚠Transmission fluid may drain from lines. Have catch pan ready and do not mix with coolant.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove fan shroud mounting bolts
   Locate the four fan shroud mounting bolts around the perimeter of the fan assembly. Using a 10mm socket, remove all four bolts. Carefully tilt the fan shroud assembly forward toward the engine bay to provide clearance for radiator removal. The fan assembly can remain connected electrically and does not need complete removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect coolant overflow hose
   Locate the coolant overflow hose connected to the radiator neck on the passenger side. Release the hose clamp and disconnect the overflow hose from the radiator. Route the hose clear of the radiator removal path.
8. 8

   Remove radiator mounting bolts
   Locate the two upper radiator mounting brackets. Using a 10mm socket, remove the mounting bolts from each side. Note that these bolts secure plastic mounting tabs on the radiator. Support the radiator with one hand while removing the final bolts to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Radiator weighs approximately 15 lbs when empty. Support radiator during final bolt removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove radiator from vehicle
   With all connections and mounting bolts removed, carefully lift the radiator straight up and away from the vehicle. Tilt the top of the radiator slightly toward the engine to clear the fan shroud assembly. Guide the radiator out of the engine bay, being careful not to damage the cooling fins on surrounding components. Place the radiator on a clean work surface.
10. 10

    Inspect and service radiator
    With the radiator removed, inspect for leaks, damage, or debris accumulation. Clean the cooling fins with compressed air from the back side forward. Check mounting rubber isolators for wear and replace if deteriorated. If pressure testing, use maximum 20 PSI. Inspect the radiator cap seal and replace if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Install radiator by reversing removal steps, ensuring lower mounting pins engage correctly in the radiator support
2. Torque radiator mounting bolts to 12.0 Nm (9.0 lb-ft) - do not overtighten as mounts are plastic
3. Reinstall fan shroud and torque mounting bolts to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft)
4. Install new copper washers on transmission cooler line fittings and torque to 25.0 Nm (18.0 lb-ft)
5. Reconnect all coolant hoses with new clamps if originals are damaged
6. Ensure drain petcock is hand-tight at 5.0 Nm (4.0 lb-ft) - plastic threads only
7. Fill cooling system with 10 quarts of Maserati OAT coolant using the overflow reservoir
8. Reconnect battery negative terminal

Verification

• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at all connection points
• Check coolant level in overflow reservoir and add if necessary to reach the COLD fill line
• Verify radiator fans activate at normal operating temperature (approximately 200°F)
• Check transmission fluid level after radiator service and top off if necessary
• Inspect beneath vehicle for any coolant or transmission fluid leaks after test drive
• Recheck coolant level after engine has cooled - top off to COLD line if needed

More procedures for this vehicle