How to Remove a Dakota's Radiator
by Russell WoodThe radiator on a Dodge Dakota cools down the coolant that circulates between the engine block and the radiator. If the radiator gets cracked or damaged from age or an accident, then the coolant won't be able to cool down properly, and the engine could overheat. If this happens, then you need to remove the radiator from the Dakota to have it replaced entirely or fixed at a professional shop.
Step 1
Put the drain pan on the ground underneath the radiator. After the Dakota's radiator has cooled off for several hours, open the petcock at the base to empty the radiator into the pan.
Step 2
Take off the upper and lower radiator hose clamps using the pliers. Pull off the hoses by hand. Unbolt the coolant overflow container and the windshield washer container from the core support using the three-eighths-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the fan shroud from the core support using the ratchet.
Step 3
Unplug the electric fan from the wiring harness by hand. Take the fan shroud off of the engine. Remove the transmission cooler lines on the lower passenger side of the radiator using a line wrench.
Step 4
Take off the clips on the sides of the radiator by hand. Unbolt the radiator from the core support using the three-eighths-inch ratchet and socket. Tilt the radiator away from the core support, and then lift it up out of the engine bay.
Things You'll Need
- Drain pan
- Pliers
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Line wrench set
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
