Radiator

[Dennis Hackert]

RADIATOR problem, ON MY 2006 PATRIOT, is there a direct replacement available or do I need to rebuild (re-core) ? and while I'm doing this project is there anything else I should do? What type antifreeze should I use?

[Paul Meehan]

We replaced our 2001 radiator.  Ordered through Radiator Supply House. 

541 367 2991
1460 47th Ave, Sweet Home, OR 97386

Since we had a rear positioned radiator we replaced or cleaned everything especially the charge air cooler.  Heat transfer transmission cooler, hoses, belts, belt tensioners, thermostat even replaced the water pump.  We ran CAT ELC Premix gallon; 238-8648 as a coolant.  Your engine may require something different.

After all was replaced we ran considerably cooler.

[Dennis Hackert]

Thank you Paul for that information.
 I did look up that radiator supply , yikes them rads are expensive (7-9K$).
 I may look into a radiator rebuilder locally that may be less expensive.?

[Bryan Beamon]

You might try Source Engineering  in Veneta, Oregon for a price quote as others  have used their services 

[Dennis Hackert]

Thank you Bryan,
I will check with them, I am leaning towards a local Rad repair to re-core it.

[Dennis Hackert]

Radiator-The theory still stands (or may be modified) if you want something done you have to do it yourself!
I am going to pull my radiator myself, Mechanic got scared , will need to keep looking for one.
If anyone has done this and has advice,tricks or basic simple steps to the project?, I would greatly appreciate it.
Anything special about the charged air cooler? I am assuming I need to pull it
Maybe I can get her ready for next years rally , dont think I will make this year. still running hardwood flooring through out.

[John Demartini]

Pulled the rad myself. Got it re-cored for 3K. Local guy in Northern Connecticut.

[Dennis Hackert]

Good to hear I am not the only one who braves the unknown.
It took me another guy 5hrs of physical labor to get the beast out.
I believe there is a sequence to taking it in and out.(hind site). There is a air cooler, fan shroud with fan and motor, all bolted to radiator together, luckily I had a forklift to lower it down and out the bottom, as we took it down all in one piece. After examining it I think it will be going back in 2 pieces, maybe 3 rather than one. Brought it to a shop  'Cookeville Radiator' in Cookville TN. The shop has been there since 1935 , they will be calling me with a cost to re-core, he was guessing around a thousand $. He is also is pressure testing the air cooler.
Good I had a young guy helping me, as these old bones don't bend like they used to.
If anyone else has some additional advice on it going back together I'm all ears (or eyes ?)
Thank you