Where to Find Paint Code on 1998 Jeep Wrangler

How to Replace a Radiator in a Jeep Wrangler

by Jeffrey Caldwell

Scott Olson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The radiator on a Jeep Wrangler is mounted to the core support just in front of the engine. The radiator uses thin copper-brass tubes to draw heat off the coolant and lower the operating temperature of the engine. Because these tubes are thin, they are prone to corrosion. If your radiator begins to leak, you must remove it from the vehicle and take it to a radiator specialist to be pressure tested. They will be able to tell you if the radiator can be repaired or must be replaced.

Draining the Cooling System

Step 1

Locate the petcock valve on the lower right corner of the radiator and place a waste oil collection pan underneath it.

Step 2

Open the petcock valve by turning it counterclockwise, using needle nose pliers.

Wait until all the coolant has drained out then close the petcock valve by turning it clockwise.

Removing the Radiator

Step 1

Loosen the hose clamp that connects the upper radiator hose to the radiator using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then pull the upper radiator hose off the radiator.

Step 2

Loosen the hose clamp that connects the lower radiator hose to the radiator using a Phillips head screwdriver. Then pull the hose off the radiator.

Step 3

Unscrew the transmission cooler lines from the radiator (automatic transmission only) using a wrench.

Step 4

Unscrew the bolts that secure the radiator to the core support, using a socket.

Lift the radiator straight up to remove it from the vehicle.

Installing the Radiator

Step 1

Lower the radiator into position behind the core support. Be careful: the cooling fins are thin and can be easily damaged.

Step 2

Screw the bolts that secure the radiator into the core support. Tighten with a socket.

Step 3

Thread the transmission cooler line fittings into the radiator. Tighten with a wrench.

Step 4

Slide the lower radiator hose onto the fitting on the bottom of the radiator. Slide the hose clamp over the fitting and tighten with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Step 5

Slide the upper radiator hose onto the fitting on the top of the radiator. Slide the hose clamp over the fitting and tighten with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Step 6

Fill the engine with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.

Run the engine and visually inspect for leaks.

References

• "Chilton's Jeep Wrangler/YJ 1987-94 Repair Manual;" Chilton Book Company; 1995
• "Haynes Jeep Wrangler 1987 Through 1995 Repair Manual;" Mike Stubblefield and John H. Haynes; 1996

Tips

• Changing your engine coolant regularly can minimize corrosion in the radiator.

Things You'll Need

• Waste oil collection pan
• Needle nose pliers
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Wrench set
• Socket set
• Antifreeze
• Water

Warnings

• The scent of antifreeze is highly attractive to animals. It is also highly toxic. Keep small children and pets away from antifreeze.

Writer Bio

Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.

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