03 Turbo Radiator Replacement

[hanks424]

My original radiator in a 2003 turbo has a removable inlet neck. None of the aftermarket radiators have this feature. Without a removable neck, I cannot get the fan assembly into position. I returned the aftermarket radiator. Does anyone know if the OEM Chrysler part 5096190AA has the removable inlet neck or how to install the aftermarket radiator without removing major engine parts?

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum.
Not sure if the turbo is any different when it comes to removing/replacing the radiator but I had to take the horizontal bar off that's in front of the radiator and accessed when you take the grill off. This allows the radiator to tilt forward and gives clearance for the fan housing to fit it/take out.

[hanks424]

Thanks for your reply. The turbo is very different. The inlet neck at the top of the header tank is removable. Your radiator does not have this feature. The turbo intake manifold will not allow removal of the fan without this special type of radiator. Have not been able to locate an aftermarket supplier for the turbo radiator.

[CREWZIN]

If it's that unique, it wouldn't be worth it for an aftermarket supplier to make them since the demand would be so low. Your only alternative might be to order one directly from Chrysler.

[reinaldo]

Originally Posted by hanks424

My original radiator in a 2003 turbo has a removable inlet neck. None of the aftermarket radiators have this feature. Without a removable neck, I cannot get the fan assembly into position. I returned the aftermarket radiator. Does anyone know if the OEM Chrysler part 5096190AA has the removable inlet neck or how to install the aftermarket radiator without removing major engine parts?

I think in this case, you need to go to the Original Manufacturer of your car to get replacement since it is a different type.

[CREWZIN]

Reinaldo,

Thanks for your input but that thread is 1 1/2 years old. The top left hand corner of every thread will till you when it was posted.

Hanks424 hasn't been back to this forum since he posted that question in January of 2009.

[JamesPisanich]

I was reading up on replacing my radiator and it mentions disconnecting the transmission and ac lines attached to the radiator. Will I loose the freeon in my a/c system by doing this? Should I take it to the shop first and have them drain the freeon before replacing the radiator?

[nomad327]

You will not need to drain the freon to replace the radiator. As others have said, the aftermarket radiators do not have the removable top neck and will be near impossible to install in the car. I bought a genuine chrysler radiator for my car (05 turbo), and it was over double the price of aftermarket, but it was an exact replacement and went in pretty well. There are a lot of little tight clearance places you have to fit your hand and it will pay to remove things in the way rather than try and work around them. I had the most trouble with the mounting bolt and intercooler hose clamp, both on the driver side about halfway up from the bottom. It may be possible to do the job without removing the battery, but I pulled the battery and battery tray and it gives a lot more room right where you need it for access. With the intercooler hose off, there is a gaping hole about 3" in diameter facing upward. I would tape over the hole of put a sock over it in case you drop something that could fall down into the intercooler. The transmission lines at the bottom had clamps that needed to be cut off, so get a couple of small hose clamps for reassembly. I blocked the hoses once removed as they seemed as they would drain for a long time once disconnected. The first thing out and the last thing back in is the fan, and it's one electrical connector and 4 or 5 bolts. Even with the grill and top support removed and the radiator pushed forward, it's a tight sliding fit to move the fan in and out. It goes, you just have to pick the best spot and angle to move it through. Here again, it helps a bit to have the battery and battery tray removed. (there is a small electrical wire that connects to the bottom of the tray, some sort of temperature sensor I think).

[CREWZIN]

Nomad, thanks for your input.

[JamesPisanich]

Yes those clamps are a bit difficult to get off. I replaced those clamps with the ones that you can use a flathead screwdriver as it was easier to put the hoses on and off with that type as opposed to what came with it. I think Im going to take your advice and buy the part from the dealer too. I really dont have the time to work on this right now so I need as few amount of hiccups as possible. Thanks again to everyone you guys are lifesavers.