How Complicated Is It To Replace A Radiator

[dkprincess6]

My 1988 Park Avenue started leaking transmission fluid at the radiator. My neighbor, who is a mechanic, said it was my transmision cooler, which is inside the radiator. He said he would replace it for $100. My husband, your basic "gearhead" thinks he can do it if it's not too complicated. So, my question is, how complicated is it to change a radiator?

 

[HotZ28]

My neighbor, who is a mechanic, said it was my transmision cooler, which is inside the radiator. He said he would replace it for $100.

I assume that quote from your neighbor does not include the radiator, only labor? It is not an easy job and could take up to two hours of labor & parts for the whole process, which seems to be a very low labor rate!

 

[dkprincess6]

I would have to agree.

 

[pila80]

Worst part of that swap for a new radiator, for me, is the lower radiator hose..connecting it to the radiator..whoever does it will know what I mean 😉

 

[SD73]

I did one recently on a 95 Olds 88. It's probably not too different a job than your car. It wasn't difficult, but 100 bucks does sound like a fair deal. That said, you may want to check rockauto.com for your radiator. They had replacements for my job ranging for $60 to just over $100.

 

[dkprincess6]

I did check rock auto.com. My husband uses them all the time. $80 for a radiator for my old baby.