Does anyone have a step-by-step guide to replace a radiator on a 2002 X-type 2.5l? I will be taking the Kitty to the dealer to diagnose where the coolant leak is and worst case scenario it will be the radiator. They quoted me at just over 700 for parts and labor and another 300 for a coolant flush. But if I can replace the radiator myself, I can replace the coolant with whatever I want to use. Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.

Four_Stroke

 

Four Stroke, if I recall, replacing the radiator is pretty straight forward. The process goes something like this:

-Lift the front end of the car up in the air an additional foot
-Remove the plastic tray from under the front end of the car
-Drain coolant from the cooling system
-Disconnect the plug for the fan controllers and then remove the hoses going to the radiator
-Undo the 4 bolts holding the radiator to the front of the car and drop the radiator out the bottom of the car.

Of note, you may find it easier to work on the car with the intake removed too. But, that is up to you.

Obviously, install is simply this in reverse. Not that bad of a job if you have basic mechanical ability. Just make sure to be good to the fins of the radiator. No sense in messing those up before you even put coolant into the radiator.

$300 for a coolant flush. I think the term "Puff, Puff, Pass" comes to mind. I know there are disposal fees for the waste generated, but come on now. It isn't that bad and doesn't take all that long.

 

Thanks Thermo, I also hoping a Jag tech can voice their suggestions also.

Yeah it is 300 on top of doing the radiator work too! I found a Silla radiator online for 150, and I can do a coolant flush myself either using dex-cool or global coolant.

Any recommendations on a aftermarket radiator?

 

300 is insane for a flush....go to a quick lube shop and get it flushed for 100..
and you dont technically need to flush the system..there are also home flush kits that hool a garden hose up and just spray away.

 

$700 for replacing a radiator is crazy. The fact that they would charge you $300 over and above that for a flush is robbery. If you're dealing with your hometown dealer, call again and speak to someone else - you'll likely get a different answer. I called those clowns with questions about keys/fobs when I bought my car, first guy sounded like he wasn't sure what he was talking about. I called back, got a different person and answer. Just for kicks, I called and talked to a third person and........ wait for it........ YES! A third answer. What little business I've done with the dealership has been in Troy. Much more professional.