I smell pancakes

[CaddyStrophic]

My H3 has a coolant leak. Looks like the radiator is busted top-passenger side on the ****ty plastic seam.

I'm going to order a new radiator online tonight, hoping that shipping is kind to it.

Any quick dos and don'ts to look out for? Also, is it safe to just drain the dexcool out and fill with Green or even Toyota red coolant? Or would that require an entire flush? (I have friends up my ass about getting rid of the dexcool and I'm just exploring options.)

Thanks for any input.

Oh, 2006 H3 if that's pertinent info.

 

[USMC_TOP]

Put dexcool back in it. Use OEM or a Silla radiator, folks seem to have good luck with both.

 

[whylee]

Nothing wrong with using Dexcool.

 

[alrock]

The radiator didnt fail because of dexcool and you're more likely to introduce problems by introducing a non-spec coolant, especially as you would inevitably mix dexcool and the new coolant to some degree during this process

 

[cgalpha08]

I would personally stick with the oem spec fluid, can't go wrong with it, it's spec fluid for a reason.

 

[CaddyStrophic]

That's what I keep telling them. They haven't convinced me with their opinions, so I'll stick with the dexcool until it causes me a problem.

 

[Best4x4]

The Silla Radiator is a very good choice. Also since you have it all apart you might want to inspect your water pump for being worn out, and replace your thermostat while you have it all apart then stick in some new Dexcool.

 

[CaddyStrophic]

Thanks for all the responses. I replaced the thermostat a few months ago, so it should be good. I put a new radiator, water pump and all new dexcool mixed with distilled water. It ended up taking longer than I would have liked, due to my inexperience with the fan bolts. I bought some service wrenches and it was a piece of cake.

If anyone out there is intimidated by a radiator replacement in their H3, I'd say it's only a 4/10 on the difficulty scale.

 

[08H3]

.... I bought some service wrenches and it was a piece of cake.....

Autzone has a set of wrenches as loaners for the job, however don't ask for the wrenches that fit the H3-- they don't. If I recall correctly, they were for a late 80s Bronco. Could have just been in the wrong box, but point is, make sure they actually fit before you leave the store.

 

[poncho1965]

I borrowed some from a friend, they were for Ford, worked great [emoji2]


Mike

 

[Panzer07]

I got to change my thermostat. Picked up some of this

Torres

 

[CaddyStrophic]

Yeah, my thermostat was a few months ago. Wasn't too terrible of a job, but I took my time with it. I think it took about 2 hours.

 

[4speedfunk]

Who is cooking your pancakes? Coolant smells nothing like food to me.

 

[08H3]

Who is cooking your pancakes? Coolant smells nothing like food to me.

Really? I totally get it. I can understand why there are big warnings for kids and pets on it.

 

[4speedfunk]

That's coming from a guy who single-handedly keeps McDonalds in business. Ha.

 

[08H3]

That's coming from a guy who single-handedly keeps McDonalds in business. Ha.

Now that you mention it....smells like a McGriddle! Ha!

 

[Savethereef]

I though i had a radiator leak. Ended up being the reservoir had a small crack on bottom.