'11 Chevy Silverado: Radiator Remove & Replace

In this video I have a look at a customers Chevy 2011 Silverado that came with a customer complaint of overheating. Customer also says there is a mysterious fluid leaking a trail on the ground everywhere he goes. Doesn't take long to see the leak in the radiator tub. Let's get this radiator swapped out and get this guy back on the road.
-Enjoy!
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

*Lisle 22990 Jiffy-Tite Low Profile Disconnect Set, One Size, Factory, 4-Piece* : amzn.to/43tqgGQ *9" Hose Clamp Locking Plier* : amzn.to/3O3smHO *DEWALT 20V MAX Ratchet Set, 3/8 inch, 70 lbs of Torque, Battery and Storage Bag Included (DCF513D1)* : amzn.to/44y2TwW *Astro Pneumatic Tool 78585 Universal Radiator Pressure Tester & Vacuum Type Cooling System Kit* : amzn.to/3K5GIpH *Gulf Distressed Vintage Adjustable Snapback Hat* : amzn.to/44z1TIX

[@harrywalker968]

hhmmm,,, i think,, sometimes,, rare,, with all the plastic cars are made of these days,, shouldnt they be around $485. new.??..

[@harrywalker968]

fyi.... the marks on the napa bottles,, are a typo. sorry,,about that..

[@99bristol]

You're my hero, got a radiator job coming up

[@mdorf61]

Eric. I'm an IT guy been doing that for 20+ years. I want you to know that I really love watching you work. And I have learned a lot. Before my life in IT world, I was a parts launcher at a local auto parts store. Also, you and Mrs. Os interaction on the channel is always a hoot. Thank you for doing all the work and time it takes to do these videos.

[@jz9189]

Well said dude 👍🏻

[@BigHappysPlace]

Same, I quit turning wrenches and went into IT in 1994. Turned wrenches for 6 years before that. I still do work on my own car and select friends and family. But I enjoy watching his channel to learn and understand a lot of the Can systems on the newer cars. I have learned a lot about how they really interact with other parts watching his channel. It's helped me with fixing family cars.

[@bchrisl1491]

Wiper Blades? Is that an automatic or manual?

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

same, worked at a texico service station for 4 years before going into IT in 1999.. Still find more joy in twisting wrenches.. until it's winter.. then i like IT lol.. cheers

[@kernelbadness]

25yr IT vet too. My hobby/side hustle is more small engine (power sports) but do most of my own and family auto repairs when I can. Enjoy watching SMA on the reg.

[@chrishartley1210]

I love the way Luna gives a little "mew" as she goes through the door, it serves as a "Bye" to you and a "Hi, I'm here" to Mrs O.

[@ShainAndrews]

Nope. She's telling him to close the door.

[@richardwarnock2789]

Suprizing Mrs. O with the Claw Priceless Moment 👌 😊

[@alexandercahoulan6583]

Seeing a happy marriage like these guys gives me hope. My parents were never happy. But its a sunny day, my day off and Im watching a sweet Eric O video. Positivity baby!

[@arthurcunningham530]

Remember when the only worry you had on a Chevy truck besides taking the top four bolts out on the two brackets was to be able to get the transmission lines off without the nuts sticking and twisting the lines

[@kellismith4329]

Unless you got a manual trans. 😊

[@Lobo204RHF]

Your wife would love Taiwan, there are entire stores full of claw/crane machines with everything in them including such weird things as washing pods.

[@williamgagnonroadboxservice]

You and I gotta be the luckiest man on earth. My wife is by my side on every job. She’s my parts runner, my secretary, my phone answer person. They just don’t make them like they used to !!

[@waltstrait5807]

As a proud Cat Dad , I really love your interaction with Luna 🤗🤗🤗

[@jonminer9891]

hi, Mr. O. It was nice to see you and your sweetie having a moment. The cat was nice too! Thanks for sharing! Stay Healthy!

[@paullinkins8121]

"The aftermarket 90% of the time don't fit great." You're telling me. I had one where I absolutely could not get some of the attaching brackets to fit AT ALL. I had to zip tie the radiator in place.

[@user-zs5ey8xs9n]

Morning Eric just wanted to say as a fellow mechanic,technician I’ve learned quite a bit watching your videos thank you 🙏🏼

[@richardthomas1743]

Yup , probably leaking on the drivers side lower corner. Everyone that I have done has leaked in that location.

[@SouthMainAuto]

how'd you guess.... 😏

[@SQ_Silverado]

This is happening to mine right now, shop said it’s blown head gaskets and will cost 3k to repair…..

[@richardthomas1743]

@@SQ_Silverado Sounds like you might need another diagnosis from a different shop.

[@fasst5511]

In this video I learned that those fittings are called Jiffy-Tite. I've been disconnecting and reconnecting them for years and never knew their proper name. Thanks for that knowledge Eric.

[@EastCoastM4]

How hard is it to get them off without the tool? And will I potentially break them? Deciding if i need to buy the little circular jiffytite tool

[@bertoltb1358]

Prolific amounts of video content recently, thank you for the hard work.

[@garycurry4600]

Love watching and learning mechanics with you, Eric. Also…you and Mrs. O are relationship goals!

[@thk7513]

Was in the business 50 years, now as Eric O says, "old as dirt" I learn something new, from Eric all the time. Thanks

[@tioganh]

Really nice to see a couple like you both Happy and in love. Very nice

[@thk7513]

Still on their honeymoon ♥♥♥

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Pushing the 1,000,000 mark in subscribers! Hope KZbin is treating you well!!

[@silent1967]

In all sincerity, Mrs. O was looking mighty fine today. 👌

[@cubiculez]

Eric - Your Customers are truly blessed that they have someone that is as diligent as you are when it comes to making sure stuff is put back together the way it should be and that you're watching out for their pocketbooks. I've got someone similar here in Los Angeles, but his shop is way to busy and almost always has 40+ cars in the que and frequently due they work soooooo fast, stuff gets missed and results in a comeback. Keep up the great work.

[@jamesterrill1938]

Simple but important to notice it is really nice to have all the tools you need along with experience..Great video..

[@Boraxo]

Thanks for bringing us along. 👍

[@lucymc0191]

You dont need tools eric you got mrs o to sort everything out for you all...great video today you make it look so easy very professional . nice to see a little loving to see you through the day man ....talking of grabbers you obviously grabbed the best prize ever MRS.O .

[@zupmeoff]

Down here in PA where we drive our cars for 10-15 years. I look for OEM. 😂

[@cablekiller]

Always a good vid when it includes the shop lion.

[@dougjones9493]

How did the cars from the sixties to eighties ever run without all the plastic parts?

[@jonasthemovie]

Well, how did they leak without the plastic parts?

[@-BuddyGuy]

They ran like shit

[@chuntzinger677]

They ran much cooler with all of that extra space to radiate all the heat!

[@eltonyancey6426]

@@chuntzinger677 So much easier to work on.

[@kellismith4329]

Very well, they still are

[@surferdude4487]

Back in the day, there were places that would re-core your radiator while you wait. The product was your original rad with all the OEM tanks and connections but with brand-new tubes and fins.

[@TheLazyCarrot]

I remember those days.

[@bobspreng611]

I remember dad teaching me how to solder the copper tubes if leaking.

[@shanecutbirth1835]

Ahh yes, the good old days before plastic tanks.

[@aleblanc3547]

It’s not an auto repair channel, it’s an auto repair channel wrapped up in a love story. ☺️

[@Katya5cat]

I always put the clamp back in the impressions as you do. Mostly because an older hose is less pliable and putting it back the way it came out seals better. Of course back in the day silicone hoses were special and not seen too often. Just how I learned it.

[@Eastahtata]

A lot of manufacturers will specify to put clamps back in their original location in their service literature, so it's not just an OCD thing lol

[@bobberndt9744]

🎼 See the Mechanics Bay, in your Chevrolet 🎶 Keep American small business going strong 🛻 💵

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Another Awesome video from SMA as always .Eric I am sure you probably already know but your a man who has been blessed. Your talented ..patient.. And great work ethic's.your a good family man and they say behind every good man is a strong women! ..may you both live long and prosper... Kudos to the lady of the house

[@spelunkerd]

It's always nice to get a little cameo from the wife unit.

[@matthopcroft2535]

You and Mrs O are a woot👍

[@DDD-us6uu]

Loved operating crane game, was pretty good at it, my day is complete with seeing Mrs O, that cat is cool, Eric, you did good!

[@nonyabiz2777]

Always a pleasure to see Mrs O. she is quick witted and beautiful.. Bravo sir.

[@jeffperdue6689]

Enjoy watching your videos. When I saw your cat, the first thing that popped into my mind was I hope she doesn't get into that coolant on the floor. I had a cat die from drinking anti- freeze when I was a kid. The vet said it tastes almost sweet to them and then it destroys their kidneys.

[@crankypaul8484]

Nice repair, funny stuff: "Yel-low!!!", "the CLAW", and the Lovely Mrs O looking awesome. :-)

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Good job Mr. O. Nice to see Mrs. O and your cat. Sometimes aftermarket parts are all you can get. And you hope they work.

[@wjhjr1415]

Always nice to see Mrs. O!

[@ronaldnielson8591]

A small size cement mixing tray works great when removing antifreeze. They're about 3FT X 5 FT and low enough to fit under most any car or truck. $10 or less at the big box hardware stores.

[@Troy_Built]

I use the old catering aluminum pans. They are huge and have handles.

[@koolaidsrequiem9646]

Really enjoy the videos, and appreciate the time you take to make them. Everyday is a good day when you have Mrs.O next to you. 👍🏼

[@konradhittner4668]

Wow-film production quality is really going up, Eric! Impressive number of camera angle changes, great lighting, etc.

[@NotAnonymousNo80014]

It's the cast that really sells it for me.

[@wallingj68]

I know! I felt like I was watching Chris Fix! (runs away and hides, cowering in fear)

[@chrissmithz314]

I came here to say the same thing. I've only been watching for 2 minutes so far, and I've already noticed the extra effort to give us a better view. I'm okay with whatever as long as he's pumpin out vids, but the extra effort is appreciated Eric

[@jamram9924]

He does it all without the help of Hollywood 😅

[@TheRandomDave]

I thought he may have hired an editor

[@davidwinklepleck1196]

You are so lucky to be doing that job on a gas engine. I have a 04 GMC 3500 dually diesel and had a plugged radiator in the cooling fins area. Had to take the front of the truck off and squeaked the radiator out without pulling the inter cooler. Still took me 5 hours. Retired master certified mechanic, love your channel

[@richardthomas1743]

Chevy THUNDER!!

[@colestowing8695]

just a mechanic doing mechanic things 👍

[@lawrencepevitts2434]

It's always nice to see Mrs. O.

[@michaelrobinson3127]

Your wife's initial reaction to the claw comment gave me a good laugh 😅 The thunder has been good to me so far 🤞 As always love the videos!

[@jeffpuras7501]

There should be a rule whenever a particular brand of vehicles gets heat for needing repairs the poster must disclose what vehicle they drive that needs no maintenance. It will be helpful when shopping for a new vehicle.

[@billc7211]

I drive Toyota. Needs maintenance, but doesn’t break much.

[@jcadult101]

​@@billc7211 Yeah, pretty much only have to fix worn out shit on 2006s toyotas. But I've done radiators in everything because even factory has those stupid plastic reservoirs.

[@Allazander]

Just look at what Eric drives/owns. His daily driver is a Toyota truck, Hyundai minivan for Mrs. O. If he trusts his wife and kids to that Hyundai it must be decent and we should all know by now that Toyota is a good/reliable brand. All vehicles need normal maintenance, the questions are how often they break down and how expensive are the repairs.

[@jeffpuras7501]

@@billc7211 I have a 330,000 mile Camry in the fleet. I just did quite a bit of service to it hoping to keep it alive. There is a 2015 RAM 2500 6.4 and a 2006 G35 too. Both have roughly 120,000 miles on them.

[@user-qt5ic6qk2h]

It's nice to see a true profile that does a job that you really can't tell thay was there

[@robertlacob8831]

After seeing and working on lots of 50s-2000 model vehicles with over heating problems due to rust in those old cast iron engine blocks, I really come to love the aluminum radiators and blocks. So much better cooling and very little rust. Haven't changed any freeze plugs lately! Plus, anti-freeze is also so much better these days. Sometimes the plastic crap has some advantages!

[@bobby9195]

Good morning Mr Eric hope you and your family have a wonderful day 😁,here lately these Chevys have become a chore for you, guess that's what they call job security lol

[@Stevie_B_0828]

You should write a "Thank You" letter to Chevrolet Headquarters for making vehicles that constantly and chronically break. They are singlehandedly providing you with a steady stream of repairs and are probably solely responsible for paying for your retirement fund, braces for all the kids, and their college educations. LOL. BTW, I am a GM man, myself, and my daily driver is a 2003 Chevy Cavalier w/ 200k+ on her and going strong. She's like a new car, mechanically speaking, she looks a little rough w/ the typical GM paint coming off and the rocker panels turning to Swiss cheese, but she's still in the game. LOL. Great job on this Chevrolet, as always! Hope you, Mrs O, and the rest of the family are doing well. 👍👍

[@kapekodbob]

The best part of this whole vid is the Missus visit ! You def. hit a grand slam when you got her, the best !🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@springfield4522]

Always nice to see Mrs O smile. You were a lucky guy when she said 'I do'. Oh and yeah, great tip bout the sleeves in the bushings 😀

[@brianvarner]

Little trick from an old pro: spraying the hose connection with silicone spray makes sliding the hose clamp down way easier. Drys fast so do one at a time. Learned this as the arthritis progressed.

[@hikanthus]

lol, "awkward silences with Mrs. O" =) great vid as always.

[@home-powersystems7782]

Happy wife, happy life. You got it Mr. O.

[@billchestnut6519]

love the attention to detail on the little things..inserts..clamps..pure professionalism..ty sir for the continuous education

[@greasebeardsgarage]

Had to do this on my 2006 a few months ago when the plastic reservoir started leaking. Went through 3 radiators before I got one home that wasn't broken (mounting tabs, feet, cracked plastic reservoir). Pretty frustrating when the install is so quick. I did go ahead and replace all the trans cooler lines, trans filter, and fluid while I was in there. Looks like they haven't changed the design much since the LS style engine was introduced in the GM pickups.

[@braddehetre4364]

Now my wife wants an excavator and a lawn full of stuffed animals! Thanks Eric 😂

[@SouthMainAuto]

You bet!

[@rickblackwell6779]

Enjoy your sense of humor unlike most, I think, I am a nuclear Millwright cleaning up the Manhattan project in Washington state. And I believe there’s a mantra I have used for the last 40 years (Creative thinking to illuminate Competing possible Causes.) Go in peace, my friend, and serve the Lord. Thank you for the entertainment and knowledge while I recover from knee replacement surgery.

[@garyinman5400]

I had an aunt in Alabama that worked in a radiator shop that built them to order. Living in NC I could call her and tell her what i needed a radiator for they built it and shipped to me cheaper than I could get a used one . Never had any trouble with fit. And i never waited more than 3 days to have it in hand. That was a long time ago don't even know if the place still exist.

[@guillermocarrillo3959]

A smile, a laugh and a kiss. Wow, a great day for Mr. O.

[@troystory7389]

🤣, "oh yeah, we're not hitting the bucket at all", no matter where you (at least with me) put the bucket, the coolant/fluid always seems to miss it.

[@edodonnell5042]

Enjoy your videos immensely learn a lot from you good work man

[@bearnay7348]

I love all the tips and tricks that I learned from you. Plus you’re pretty entertaining.

[@clementramon8589]

Good video. Well done. Dont mind the little snags. Helps understand what to do. Thank you.

[@jasonkarch4904]

Great video thank you very helpful as I get ready to replace mine this morning

[@Larry-kh7rw]

Thursday morning treat! Thanks much.

[@Yawwee]

Yes, aftermarket radiators are JUNK. I got one for my Ram 1500, a 3 row, and the mounting holes were made by a blind person !!! Not lining up, had to be reamed bigger to fit / mount it, and to use shims to get it to set correctly !!!! All that to save $60 !!!!! AND glad to see Luna the ferocious watch cat pay her daddy a visit to say good morning, how you doing Dad, and I'd like to chat, but it's time for Mom to feed me !!! Luna is talking to you now, she has forgiven you for locking her outside, cats are loving just like wives !!!! It was nice to see Mrs. O. come out to the shop to see her loving husband providing for her, and sealing that wonderful deed with a kiss !!! Love is grand !!! This job went without much incident and cussing. makes for a good day. On to the next task !!! Well done Eric !!! Another PRNY Avoca SMA Certified ASE Automotive Master Mechanic installation !!!! 😃👍🛠💯

[@windnh2ojim]

Mrs O and you are the best. Ya make me smile.

[@steveschmidt5619]

Thanks for the video Eric! Very informative and help me get the job done

[@TStheDeplorable]

Hi Eric. Today was a big day. I received my first real Autel scanner. Then I used it to figure out why my neighbor's a/c wasn't working. Long story short, the pressure sensor was broken. I totally legally recaptured the refrigerant, recharged it, used a torque wrench for every step of the job, and it's blowing 42 degree cold air again! I've been fixing my own stuff for 10 years now thanks to guys like you, and this is my next step up. Thanks for the great education and encouragement. It turns out that I can actually do it!

[@kriskafowlski4463]

Thanks Eric. I’ve got the same truck. So awesome vid for me. Appreciate it

[@KarateSensei71]

It is always good to see the lovely Mrs. O.

[@gregsidel3557]

Good tip on the Coolant lines thank you.

[@Bignitsuj]

Incredible mechanic, camera work, editing. Eric O you inspire me to never break electrical clips and plastic hose clamps.

[@SouthMainAuto]

You can do it!

[@mattbrown5511]

A job well done is better than a "git 'er dun" job. Catching the radiator stops on the support was excellent. You and the Mrs. are awesome together. God bless and be well Eric.

[@davidwingrove6381]

Whenever I am about to tackle a task I do a you tube search to see if you have made a video on it. You always do a very good job filming and excellent job explaining why and how to do it. Thank you very much for all of the guidance.

[@porkchop4604]

Eric, its amazing how easily you handle what I call the Bastard clips. You just Cruze along.

[@CopeCory]

Always enjoy your work. Especially like seeing Mrs. O coming out to see you. She’s a keeper! Thanks for the videos.

[@billc7211]

Love the quick reference to the Minions and “The Claw!”

[@kevinkp7779]

Good morning Eric, thanks for another great video.

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video - thank you! The kiss was the best part!!! Paul (in MA)

[@sargefreedom1578]

Now if I ever have to do my ‘13 Silverado I’ll be a step ahead of the game. Thanks Eric O. and thanks Mrs O for cracking the whip 😂. Great team!

[@corujabuho8253]

KZbin should have two thumbs up option and star rating!

[@tombeilman5579]

Just a DIY guy and I was removing a radiator clamp with a flat pliers and it came loose and flicked my thumb nail and did that ever smart, about like hitting it with a hammer which I have done plenty of times. Retired carpenter

[@josecondemarin9586]

Great teaching video, its amazing how you make look so easy... Take care, thanks 😊

[@brendacash-rn7ed]

🎉awesome job! Love watching.

[@vwwrenchie314]

during this week of humidity here in Eastern Canada, it's good to see a cooling video and some no funnel action. steady boy steady😂

[@johndesaavedra1040]

If you enjoy working on cars, you'll love your Chevrolet! I've had quite a few. Good trucks but they all needed more attention than my Toyotas and Hondas.

[@pokie211]

Great job just a strait forward radiator job no drama thank you!

[@jamesmachalik9924]

Just changed a radiator on a 5.3. Traverse mounted Chevy. Talk about clearance issues. Love those jiffy tight connectors. Not.

[@bubcat54]

My wife came out to chat when I was changing out my radiator. Wish she would have announced herself b4 I pulled the hose. She spent a month in the burn ward. I met alot of nice people at the tavern that month.

[@robhunter2435]

Another great job Eric....thanks

[@lduplago]

Love and appreciate your videos. I especially appreciate that you don't feel the need to fill every second of your videos with nonsensical chatter. Definitely have learned a lot from your content.

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Eric.

[@2chipped]

Enjoy watching you work,and especially the sarcasm! 10 years ago I had to r/r radiator on a ford,transmission cooler lines have the double sized jeezeless clips going into the radiator. Didn't have the tool so I unthreaded the fitting, ford in their infinite wisdom had a nut inside the plastic tank. Next came 2 hours of shaking it ,magnets,wires etc. Lesson learned 😮

[@cathiepieszak6967]

Love the way you and mrs O interact.

[@waltershulas623]

Eric, you did a beautiful job on the outside of the shop. It looks great.