This procedure covers the complete removal and replacement of the radiator on a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including coolant system drainage, component disconnection, and refill procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for 6.7L Cummins
• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Hose clamps × 4 — Worm-gear type, various sizes
• Radiator drain petcock × 1 — Plastic drain valve

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 18 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan activation during service
4. Remove engine cover by releasing retaining clips
5. Place large drain pan(s) underneath radiator with capacity for at least 18 quarts of coolant

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly remove the radiator cap by turning counterclockwise to relieve any residual pressure. Locate the radiator drain petcock at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. If equipped, also open the engine block drain plugs to ensure complete drainage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper radiator components
   Remove the plastic radiator cover by removing the retaining screws. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the radiator by loosening the hose clamp and sliding it back along the hose. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it off the radiator neck. Disconnect any electrical connectors from the radiator fan assembly or sensors mounted on the radiator.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate the transmission cooler lines on the driver side of the radiator. Place a drain pan beneath the connections. Using a line wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect both transmission cooler lines from the radiator fittings. Plug the open lines with clean shop towels or rubber caps to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Expect some ATF+4 fluid to drain out.
   ⚠Use a line wrench, not a regular wrench, to prevent rounding off the transmission cooler line fittings.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Remove the bolts securing the engine cooling fan shroud and fan assembly to the radiator. The 6.7L Cummins uses a viscous or electric fan assembly depending on configuration. Carefully lift the fan assembly up and out of the engine bay. Note the orientation and position of any spacers or shims for reinstallation.
   ⚠The fan clutch on viscous fan models contains silicone fluid. Keep the assembly upright to prevent leakage.
5. 5

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   Working from underneath or through the wheel well, locate the lower radiator hose connection. Loosen the hose clamp and slide it back along the hose. Twist and pull the lower hose off the radiator outlet. Any remaining coolant will drain at this point, so ensure drain pan is positioned correctly.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect auxiliary cooler lines
   If equipped with auxiliary oil cooler or charge air cooler lines connected to the radiator assembly, disconnect these lines. Mark each connection with tape or take photos for proper reinstallation. Cap all open lines to prevent contamination.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove radiator mounting hardware
   Locate and remove the radiator mounting bolts. There are typically two upper mounting bolts and two lower mounting points. The Ram 2500 uses plastic mounting brackets that thread into the radiator support. Remove these bolts carefully to avoid stripping the plastic mounting points.
   ⚠The plastic mounting brackets are fragile. Do not overtighten or use impact tools on these fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove radiator from vehicle
   With all connections and mounting hardware removed, carefully lift the radiator straight up and out of the engine bay. The radiator must clear the fan mounting studs and may need to be tilted slightly. Have an assistant help guide the radiator to avoid damaging the cooling fins on surrounding components. Inspect the radiator mounting bushings and rubber isolators; replace if worn or deteriorated.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the delicate cooling fins or the AC condenser positioned in front of the radiator.
9. 9

   Prepare new radiator for installation
   Inspect the new radiator for shipping damage. Transfer any sensors, brackets, or petcock valve from the old radiator to the new one if not pre-installed. Install the drain petcock hand-tight into the new radiator. Install new rubber mounting bushings into the radiator bracket locations. Ensure all ports are free of debris or protective caps.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new radiator
    Carefully lower the new radiator into position, ensuring it seats properly into the lower mounting brackets and aligns with the upper mounting points. Guide the radiator around the fan mounting studs. Install the radiator mounting bolts and torque to specification. Do not overtighten the plastic mounts.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect all hoses and lines
    Connect the lower radiator hose to the radiator outlet and secure with a new hose clamp torqued to specification. Connect the upper radiator hose and secure with a new hose clamp. Reconnect the transmission cooler lines and torque the fittings to specification using a line wrench. Reconnect any auxiliary cooler lines. Ensure all clamps are positioned correctly and not contacting sharp edges.
    Torque spec

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

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

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Carefully lower the cooling fan and shroud assembly back into position on the radiator. Ensure any alignment pins or tabs are properly seated. Install the fan mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect any electrical connectors for the fan motor or sensors.
13. 13

    Fill cooling system
    Close the radiator drain petcock securely. Fill the radiator with the specified Mopar OAT purple coolant mixture (50/50 coolant and distilled water is typical, but verify for your climate). Fill slowly to allow air to escape. Fill the coolant recovery reservoir to the COLD fill line. Leave the radiator cap off. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Bleed cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to run at idle with the radiator cap off. Monitor the coolant level and add coolant as the level drops due to air purging from the system. Run the engine until the thermostat opens and coolant begins circulating (you will see coolant movement in the radiator). Continue running until the cooling fan cycles on. Squeeze the upper radiator hose several times to help release trapped air. Add coolant as necessary to maintain level.
    ⚠Keep hands clear of the cooling fan which may activate at any time. Do not lean over the radiator opening while engine is running.
15. 15

    Final fill and pressure test
    Once the thermostat is fully open and coolant is circulating properly, top off the radiator to the base of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap securely. Fill the coolant recovery reservoir to the COLD fill line. Allow the engine to reach full operating temperature and verify the cooling fan cycles properly. Shut off the engine and check for leaks at all connection points. Install the engine cover and plastic radiator cover with screws torqued to specification.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall components in reverse order of removal
2. Use new hose clamps for all coolant hose connections
3. Check transmission fluid level after test drive as some ATF+4 was lost during cooler line disconnection
4. Allow engine to cool completely, then recheck coolant level in both radiator and overflow reservoir the next day

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator connections, hoses, or transmission cooler lines
• Verify cooling fan operates properly and cycles on when engine reaches operating temperature
• Check that heater produces hot air, confirming proper coolant circulation
• Monitor coolant temperature gauge during test drive to ensure engine maintains normal operating temperature (190-210°F)
• After test drive, recheck all connection points for leaks with engine at operating temperature
• Verify coolant level is at proper level in both radiator and overflow reservoir when cold
• Check transmission fluid level and top off if necessary after cooler line service

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