How to Replace a Radiator (Complete Guide)

Get your daily "FIX" here on Instagram (like the turbo kit I am about to post): instagram.com/ChrisFixit/
Also, I got another discount code for 25% off your entire order from Advance Auto... Use code "RADIATOR" for 25% off anything (not just radiators). I got that code for you guys and for myself lol... I dont make any money off of it and the idea is to try to make fixing your car even more affordable, so put it to good use!!!

I won't be doing any of this, but I will still watch because your videos are too satisfying.

ChrisFix is like that older brother you always wanted that would help you with your car issues

How can anyone possibly give this a thumbs down? This guy is busting his butt making the best videos on the Internet for car repair. Thanks again, Chris!

Imma take a second to brag about this guy. This guy is help people of all ages that don’t know how to do this stuff. For those who’s parents don’t have the time to help or the knowledge to help there kids with this stuff on their first vehicle he is always right here. He makes my life a lot easier I can say this for sure. Thank you Chrisfix and never stop uploading these very helpful and satisfying videos.

I have no need or desire to change my radiator but I just love watching these videos!

Never leave your hoes leakin'
-ChrisFix 2018

Though I rarely work on my car cos I dont have all those tools. Still you help me inspect most of my car problem. You are the man saving people being ripped off by mechanics.

First ever repair job on my car and it went smoothly, with replacing my radiator. I’ve been following your channel for a while but finally put the knowledge I learned to good use. Thanks for saving me a ton of money, and learning a new skill in life 🙌

Chrisfix be like “Hey guys we’re gonna replace two headlights today’s but I also decided to pick up a new bumper and V8 engine to do a nice quick and easy engine swap.”
Other KRplus mechanics “ alright YoUTubE where gonna be changing some oil” 30 mins later “alright guys so that was the first screw.”

Im starting to think Chris damages his car or pokes a hole in it just to fix or replace it

You can always replace a radiator, but never Radiator Springs.

“Sorry mister chipmunk but you’re gonna have to find a new place to store your nuts”
*stores food in the mustangs airbox*

12:13 "Out with the old hoes in with the new" - ChrisFix 2018

*HEY GUYS CHRIS FIX HERE*
I get so excited to learn lol

Chris is not just a mechanic but a car doctor. I don't know if that does make sense but he's more than a mechanic. I'm glad I stumbled upon this channel.

I love having a truck like Chris. Its like he's showing only me what to do

After watching you video I just want to grab a ratchet and fix something
.....well done mate

thanks for teaching me. now all i need is a car. just like that.

8:33 look at the dog in the garage in the back ground! He/she is so cute

Thank you for this video cris! I replaced my radiator because it was starting to crack. Your videos are so Detailed that it made the job a breeze. I’m going to school right now to learn how to work on cars and i feel like I’ve learned more from your videos than my classes. It’s so rewarding knowing I did the job on my own and saved a Ton of money. You’re an inspiration keep up the good work 🤙🏽

Wait I’m confused. Where do I spray the soapy wooder?

Wooder pump

I already replaced my radiator and I still decided to watch this

Chris Fix is responsible for giving many guys the confidence to work on their own cars, which is AWESOME!!
Thumbs up to you, Chris!!

Something tells me the recommended videos for the SuperFlush video are foreshadowing future videos

Anybody else love the evolution of "Hey guys, ChrisFix here" over these past 6 years 😂

Congratulations Chrisfix! I was looking at an ad flyer for Advance Auto store and they had links to your videos in the ad. That is amazing. You are truly one of the best how to guys on KRplus.

Excellent, narration, excellent camera angles, excellent confirmations (when removing something and then saying "good")- A Class instructor, Excellent videos, great use of language. I can't thank you enough Chris, very well done for one of the greatest series of videos on this subject.

Can’t wait for more videos on the del sol, notifications are on and I can’t wait !

I did the whole radiator cap thermostat and hoses Monday on my dodge Dakota but I’m still watching because i love your videos

Gotta give it to ya Chris, you didn't just clean your engine bay for the video about it, it's just always super clean. I do appreciate it, it definitely makes it easy to tell exactly what your doing at all times.

Hello, big fan! Have you ever helped a follower on their personal vehicle - in person? And did you go to school to become a mechanic or how has this all been learn as you go? You have so much knowledge it's crazy awesome. Also, just have to say, I am obsessed with how clean your setups are and how thorough you are! It's a breath of fresh air! Hope you never stop teaching viewers!

Chris i seriously appreciate every video you make, you put so much effort into it instead of sticking to a schedule, that shows how dedicated you are and that is why you are one of the best car channels on youtube, keep up the great work buddy! love from Australia!

Hope the videos shown at 3:37 come true

I do majority of my shopping with Advanced Auto Parts and I was so excited and shocked to see that they have your video linked into their website for a guide!! Congratulations!

Hey Chris,
I just wanted to say thanks so much for making these videos. I've already saved hundreds changing oil, cleaning the MAF, cleaning batteries, restoring headlights, flushing radiators brake lines and transmissions in my car. Will replace the wife's hybrid battery too, when that happens. I follow the mantra "do it once, do it right" and I'm glad you show the complete methods (torquing, threadlocking, etc).
Haven't owned a car in 6 years (until now) so working on this thing has been a blast because of your vids.
Thanks for your time and effort buddy, it impacts plenty of us!

Out with the old and in with the new! Love that!

Who else binge watches Chris fix's videos

I want to thank you tremendously! I changed my radiator, brakes, and rooters with the help of your fantastic videos! You saved me so much money. Appreciate you!

Yo, ChrisFix. Huge shout out to your for showing how easy it can be to get the job done. My local repair shop is wanting to charge me over $900 for a radiator replace and fluid. I found a radiator at a salvage yard I will grab this weekend and with this vid and the super flush vid, I’m confident I’ll get it done and back on the road. Plus, save some $$$. Big thanks

I'm a mechanic but your videos are so good I watch them!!

I don't even have a car but I still enjoy those videos!! Lmao

I am in awe. This video is so professionally well-done it is a little eerie. Every last detail was addressed. It is perfection. There really isn't anything that could have been improved! YOU EVEN HAD ROVER IN THE BACKGROUND!!! WTF!!!

I replaced my water pump about 6 months ago but had decided to wait on my radiator replacement until it really needed it. Wish it had lasted longer than 6 months though haha. Turned out to be an easier replacement than expected, but its always good to psyche myself up for a repair by watching your videos!

I was about to sleep cuz its night time in the philippines but when i saw that chrisfix uploaded a new vid i was like: *i have to watch this first*

When I was 14 I got my first truck at a local scrapyard it was 1994 ford ranger XLT extended cab 4.0L standard. It was in horrible shape it needed a clutch and the interior needed to be redone and they ripped the radiator out for scrap and the A/C didn’t work so I spent my summer fixing that truck up and the first thing I did was replaced the water pump and radiator. Then I did the clutch then the interior I put a new headliner in and took the carpet out and washed it and the seat covers as well then I got the A\C working I put propane as the Freon and it puts out 15or20 at its coldest. It was a fun learning experience! I still drive it to this day! (I’m 17 now) Amazing truck. I love how stock it is and I plan on leaving it that way!

Hey, Chris. I went and checked my coolant protection with an antifreeze tester, the good old fashioned squeeze bulb type with the arrow indicator, and I am protected down to -45 degrees Fahrenheit, and boil over protection to 268 degrees Fahrenheit. I couldn’t be happier😊thnx for making such badass videos

I really love your channel and I just really want to say that I’m not even old enough to drive but thanks to you I knew more about change it oil than my own father did and I did it yesterday without no frustration as my dad sat on the side and watched, I knew more than my father who is 54 and changed oil more times than he could remember, and I truly want the thank you for that.

3:37 i like how you give subscribers a taste of the project you're working on😂

I literally binge watch your videos 😭 I can't get enough. I'm so ready to buy a project car. I've watched the same video 5 times and I've also spray painted my rims using your video. Your instructions are so good and they make everything so easy. I love the support you show on your comments as well even after so many years of doing this. Can't wait to meet you one day 👌🏼💯

This is what I will be doing this weekend. THANK YOU! Your videos have helped me learn so much about my car.

After watching Chris' video on how to, I have to say I feel confident I would be able to change out my radiator. Chris, you just explain it so clearly. Thanks😊

So happy you just made this. I’ve been waiting 3 weeks for the mechanic. He said he was going to show and never did. So I’m stuck to do it by my self.

I just changed out my radiator thanks in part to the confidence that videos like this instilled in me. Thank you ChrisFix for making these videos. Working on my own car fulfills a childhood dream of mine.

One tip to throw out is that the thermostat housing on most cars have a habit of cracking and leaking due to thermal fatigue. If you are going through all this trouble, it's probably worth at the very least looking to see how much a brand new one will cost. I'd also suggest replacing the bolts that hold it on, and the hose if you're able to find a new one (which tends to dry out and crack if you're car is old enough..

Chris is so comfortable working in the driveway that he calls the ground "the floor". Here I'm working on a gravel parking pad. Man, I wish I had a proper floor.

Dude. This was amazing!

I dont even have a car but i still watch these videos

Just simply getting the camera angles for every bolt and engine part he is working on is truly impressive.

750 angry chipmunks disliked this video.

New ChrisFix video is out, you know it's going to be a good day!

Not going to lie when are you going to start selling that soapy wooder

Thanks for your passion in creating your content! I just discovered your channel this week, and am learning a LOT.
This may be the most important upload for me personally: I bought a 2007 4WD Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SE pickup, and the information I've seen is that the stock radiators on the first several years of this design run tend to develop internal cracks that allow the transmission fluid and antifreeze to cross-contaminate one another, which means a ruined tranny when that happens. And that would mean potentially a $5000 bill for replacement. And yes, my '07 Frontier still has it's stock radiator. O.O
I'm not sure yet if I will tackle the job of swapping out the stock radiator myself -- I live in a small apartment, and I don't know if I want to deal with the used antifreeze and tranny fluids, or even if if my landloord would Frown Upon™ tenants doing mechanical work on his property. But at a minimum, this upload definitely demystifies the process! Well done, and HIGHLY INFORMATIVE. Thanks!
A couple of other attaboys for the upload on the complete suspension rebuild on that Honda Del Sol, and the air-conditioner compressor replacement upload with the process for recharging the refrigerant, and the upload where you replaced the exhaust system on your DriftStang. My previous vehicle was a 2003 Toyota Solara (stretched Camry variant), and the catalytic converter disintegrated right before Christmas 2019, and choked off the exhaust. I wish I'd seen this video before I had my mechanic replace the exhaust line!
On top of the great subject material overall, it seems every video has tons of cool tips I'd never dreamed of, like the use of a Bluetooth device that you use to access your cars' diagnostic codes, plus insights on little details that drive non-mechanics nuts, like busting rust-welded parts loose. (Egad!)
A Fronter SE has a good 4WD system, but it's not a hardcore off-roader. I'm planning to add some basic components to improve that aspect of it's capabilities, such as side slider bars and skid plates, and possibly suspension lifts, some extra running lights for overlanding, and some aftermarket bumpers to help improve the truck's mediocre approach and departure angles. And if I get more hard-core, maybe I will shop for an aftermarket locking rear differential. But given my truck's long wheel base (Crew Cab with a 6-ft. cargo bed), it's never going to be a hardcore rock crawler. I think I'd be happy just having enough protection to get out of trouble if I stumble into it.
Congratulations on passing the 6 million (!!) subscriber mark, and on the trio of dream vehicles for your mom and dad and yourself!

Cris, when you say simple it actually is simple. Many people are scared to work on cars cause they think they might break something and it's really complicated, but you explain everything in such detail that "it really is that simple."

Like if Chris Should make his Honda into a sleeper!

I love your videos. I done plenty of cooling system jobs and still watch this one just because it's you and it's new :D

Awesome videos. I've been taking pride in draining my cooling system for my Chevrolet pickup truck. Previous owner put some stop leak in the radiator, the radiator is a real mess internally with some sludge and it looks something like mud and dirt. I've got myself now prepared to replace the radiator, flush the heater core, clean the water pump and do some coolant system cleaning to be safe.

I really don't understand why people dislike this video. He explained every step very clearly. Great video as always Chris. 👍👍👍

5:27 my new favorite quote

This has to be the most well maintained Mazda pickup in the world. Another amazing video!

Ik these videos are gonna help me when i do a job like this maybe not anytime soon but it’s satisfying watching these videos the fact that hes doing the job right and his positive energy in the videos makes it look so easy

Chris I cannot thank you enough my brother bought an old 87 chevy square body and found cement in the engine he ripped out everything and got rid of most of it he sold it to me as a rolling chassis and I am saving up and buying the parts one by one to rebuild this truck from the ground up. your videos have given me the confidence to at least start getting this truck back to it's glory I may not be able to do it all but i can get a lot done

the camerawork!!! ......chris you have a gift my dude how are you able to get all these angles and show the work being done its incredible to me
who made the discovery that the coolant was sweet lol

Omg you uploaded this just in time my radiator actually died last night now I can do it myself thanks 🙏

I'm a fan of your videos and I've been keeping up with all of them and it's been helping me fix my car right now I'm in a situation as well I need to change my radiator for my Toyota Avalon XL 2002
The problem is it's been leaking and I tried bottles to get it fixed but it turns out I need a new radiator replacement

Just did mine, thanks so much for the video! I bought a 2005 Ranger 2WD 3.0L V6 with 220k miles and it needs some TLC. Your videos have been so helpful.

Most of the work I've done were on air cooled engines so this being my first time working on a water cooled engine you could say I was a little intimidated. My brother told me to check out your channel and man I'm glad I did. This completely set me at ease. Thanks for the in depth and well thought out video! Can't wait to tackle my radiator now.

This channel gives me life. Thanks to ChrisFix i have a clean car! ✌

hey, Just wanted to say I love your content and even though a lot of the videos I watch on your channel I don't need to fix, I really enjoy watching your content. It might be the Asperger but I find the way you talk bout cars and there workings is so very enjoyable to listen to. I also love the fact you talk to your audience and not down to us. with that I wish you the best and look forward to watching more content of yours :) Love from the UK!

No one:
Chrisfix:It's that simple!

I've learned so much watching your videos thanks Chris

I am an auto mechanic student and I was looking for Auto Repair youtube channels when I found yours. Oh Boy! You have so much energy bro. thanks.

CF, I love your site. Make sure to use the OEM hose clamps on any plastic spout. The worm gear clamp exerts high spot force that can stress crack the plastic spouts. I have seen this many times. Please use OEM clamps on plastic spouts.

Did anyone else noticed the future videos to the right at 3:29?

Couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks dude.

I’m doing this on my 99 explorer and it’s the exact same basically and I already know how to do it but it’s so entertaining to watch that I’ll watch all of your videos anyway

chris is amazing. what a nice guy taking the time effort and money to show people how to do stuff like this. Chris we appreciate you thank you so much

I’ve learned so much about cars, just from watching your videos

Take a shot every time Chris says leak

Dude there will never be anyone to top chris, he is like the best, I love how much passion is put into the vids

This place is so tight, also puts the camera in most unconfortable places.😅 nice view points. From you I learned how to change the radiator, hoses, oil pan, filters, transmision, cracked windshield, how to do oil/antifreeze flushes and many more. Now I learn how to change my distribution kit - timing belt, water pump, bearings and at the end pistons, valves, camshafts, springs etc. Thank you Cris

I needed this video 4 months ago. Coulda saved me $400

Chris’ simplest videos are sometimes his best. “Looks like I need a new radiator” *teaches millions how to do 90% of the cooling system work they’ll ever have to do*

Bro I know you probably won’t see this, but I just realized your video on the radiator flush was the video I referenced to do my first flush a couple years ago, you also showed me how to clean my engine bay, and I just finished replacing my radiator by watching this video. Thank you so much for educating me while I repair my 1980 El Camino. I knew nothing about cars and have almost exclusively learned from you.

Wanted to say thank you, and sing your praise a bit. Me with a very basic knowledge of how an engine works and having never done mechanics watched your video and changed the radiator in my car. With literally zero hassle Whats so ever. Thank you, you are a true legend

can you make a how to install subwoofers and amplifier, i dont know if you like big bass but i cant figure out how to wire anything so if you can thanks!

Woke up to this video, what a great way to start my morning 👍🏼

Chrisfix. I give you 10 Stars for your instructional videos. You are great! Many thanks.

As a teammate of Advance for about 18 years. I really appreciate the shout out.