'18 Chrysler 300 Radiator Replacement - Part I

[@SouthMainAuto]

Some tools used to complete this job: -Astro 9502 Hose Removal Hook Set - amzn.to/47Fkg08 -Astro Pneumatic Tool 94093 Multi-Cable Hose Clamp Pliers - amzn.to/3uoT4Vd -Portable Oil Drain Pan, Anti-Freeze, Green - amzn.to/3GcoIYG -Astro 4505 5-Piece Fastener and Molding Remover Set - amzn.to/40SWDyT

[@frankish5314]

A radiator change needs a 2 video series! Amazing to me they cant just make the radiator hold down all behind the rad so you don't have to tear off the front of the car.

[@Alboalt]

I replaced the radiator on our 2008 Grand Caravan. It was super easy, barely an inconvenience compared to this.

[@MattExzy]

I saw the title and the length of the video and thought “oh, a radiator, I suppose this will be a quick in and out sorta deal…” nooooo! It’s a saga. Odd design choice, I’ve seen plenty of other cars that need the front fascia or bumper removed as well, I’m curious now what the wisdom of that change is, when mechanically, most radiators could come out with just two bolts and the hoses removed.

[@Panhead49EL]

Same first thought, multi-part....for a radiator!?

[@thomasmiddlebrooke1012]

@@MattExzy You actually don't need to do it that way. I have done radiators on 5.7L Hemi power Challenger R/T(An '09) a 300(a 2012) and a 5.7L Police Charger(a 2017 I think). They were all the same. The radiator is held up by a sheet metal support underneath that is held in by only four bolts. Once the fans and hoses come off, lift the car up, loosen said bolts, unscrew the condenser, then support it. Once it's supported, remove the 4 bolts from the support and drop the radiator.

[@hokie9910]

Did my sons land cruiser a couple months ago in 30 minutes. Chrysler’s engineers, are the BEST.

[@joedingman4181]

Car manufacturers never think of the mechanic who has to service every type of vehicle to do something as simple as a radiator replacement great job Eric Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family...

[@FixIt1975]

They don't care. Once it leaves the assembly line, it's someone else's problem 😂😂

[@isorozco511]

Engineers are not that smart

[@chrissmithz314]

Longer it takes to replace, more money the dealer and tech make 🤑

[@dadgarage7966]

Well said, Captain Common Sense.

[@maxxmich]

correction.... the engineers never think of the mechanics when they designed the car

[@titaniumman_22]

This channel is the auto repair channel I look forward to the most! Pine Hollow is 2nd! 🇺🇸

[@hcox1111]

I agree Eric is the best he makes it look easy. Ivan is good but he hasn't got the decades of experience Eric has. I have noticed 2nd and 3rd generation mechanics ,dentists you name it they are the best. I think some of the skill is past down genetically. I had a 3rd generation dentist pull some teeth and it was painless. Always look for a son or grandson doing the same work as their father or grandfather.

[@Thisoldhiker]

@@hcox1111 Our daughter is the second generation in her line of work. She went to her mother's office after school for most of high school because it was easier than going home. Obviously, she walked into her company knowing a lot.

[@DonaldWells-wk8dc]

All that plastic is making it difficult for the road salts to digest the frame...

[@lvsqcsl]

That car is 5 years old and it already needs a radiator? Darn, my car is 30 and I haven't changed the radiator yet. GREAT VIDEO!

[@markmckinley5989]

Look how different color the front bumper is. May have been wrecked

[@Ram14250]

What I thought too! Way too young to need a radiator. The coolant isn't even aged yet??

[@scottreed991]

Possible that something hit it going down the road?

[@philipmackin1025]

Tempting Fate

[@tomrossman9371]

My '48 Chevy half ton pickup had its original radiator when i sold it two years ago.

[@brucesheehe6305]

Unbelievable disassembly - a real puzzle. Reminds me of takeing out a dash for a heater core. Nothing is easy anymore.

[@johnsmith7676]

Nothing easy, indeed. All by design, too.

[@arkiefyler]

"Easy job!" Sure, after the 45 minutes of body clips, facia, hoses, tripping on the radiator water bucket, tools collection and service manual reading! 😱🤪 Thankfully, you have a very good humor level! Try some construction glue on the plastic radiator air blocker!

[@thomasmiddlebrooke1012]

Hey Eric, a tip for you for next time: The radiator on 300's, chargers, and challengers comes most easily out the bottom. It's held in by a single steel support that wraps around underneath, and is held on with four bolts. When I've removed them, I've been able to remove the condenser from it without having to unload the facia. I'll loosen the support enough to swing the bottom towards the engine, and then sneak the screws holding the condenser to the radiator, then support the condenser as I drop the radiator. There's even enough room to do it that way with the 5.7 Hemi like one I did on a Police Interceptor Charger. EDIT: Said charger had a PIT Bar welded to the frame and subframe. There would have been no chance to pull the front facia off with it in place, and I'm a sucky welder.

[@sfbfriend]

Looks like you figured it out, in the days of copper and brass rads many had to be dropped out through the bottom. The only radiator I can remember hating were on Corvette's. Sure happy to be retired. Old days as far as radiators went were simple to remove.

[@GeekBoyMN]

@@sfbfriend Most of the radiators I've done were super easy to take out from the top except for my 1997 Chrysler Concorde. The fan assembly was a pain to get out, partly due to the passenger side fan motor being extra long and making it hard to get out. I haven't worked on many newer cars other than for oil changes.

[@user-kw5ze5ky5q]

I was just about to let Eric know it’s an easy job from the bottom. It took me a few years to figure that out

[@mikemeiring6710]

I love removing vw beetle radiators

[@Dunno513]

I was drilling those rivets in my head as you described the bumper removal process.

[@youteo3596]

Last radiator i did was in my 89 caprice a couple years ago, took an hour if that total remove and replace bleed the air add coolant etc. Another 20 minutes driving to my radiator guy who hot tanked the old copper core original pressure tested it found the leak and some that started leaking after the pressure test. Had it back in a couple days all painted looked new for $150 total no leaks since. The local parts store wanted $200-250 for one of those plastic jobs plus my original copper core. Sad thing is now theres a chipotle where the radiator shop was... Next time i need one redone might take it there just for a laugh, well this address is where my radiator guys shop used to be... "Sir this is a restaurant why are you in our lobby with something leaking green liquid on the floor?" Well what the hell is that big thing the lady over there is eating thats dripping green goo on your floor? Sir thats a burrito and its dripping guacamole... So youre saying guacamole is the antifreeze for burritos??? Looks like that burrito needs to go back in the hot tank and get the pecker tracks soldered up good before you give it to the customer... Person at Chipotle, what? Oh nothing have a nice day lol

[@mikewhitley1183]

I'm watching you dismantle the entire front of the car just to change the radiator ! 2 days ago I had to change the headlights in a 2007 Toyota and I had to do exactly the same thing that you're doing now, removed the inner fenders and the front bumper and the grill out just to change the headlights!

[@colin4850]

If that is what you call an easy start to the day , I can't help wondering how bad your day is going to get, another great video Mr O .

[@sfbfriend]

OH MY GOD! I spent a decade working in a radiator shop, pulling and repairing the old school copper and brass radiators and after watching this I am soooo glad I do not do this anymore. All that just to remove a radiator is hella crazy....I don't know how you keep your temper down. Good job though, I do enjoy watching and listening to you.

[@tomjohn5162]

I got hung up on that Peacock (Peecock?) valve... with the distraction of the wrong word, it took me a while to remember it is called a Petcock valve! But I found some humor in it! Thanks.

[@Ram14250]

Funny... you got me brain tied too... Petcock drain valve.

[@crisprtalk6963]

" It didnt help us but we did something" Ive been using that strategy all my life.

[@richard3141592638]

"to be continued". Four words your subscribers love to hear. A good, multipart r and r - so nice to follow along in detail (no sarcasm). Have a great day, Mr and Mrs O

[@freetolook3727]

Four words?

[@schifoso]

"It doesn't help us any but we did something." Sums up me running into problems when working on a car. Maybe just Velcro that lower rubber piece to the radiator.

[@duncandogster]

I just love your stuff, brother. Careful, yet efficient, with a good splash of humor and no "blah, blah, blah" like the Rainman (who explains everything like he's talking to 3 year- olds)... when my truck breaks down, I'm wishing I was nearer to you than I am. Thanks!

[@tomtke7351]

"I believe we have to pull off the front facia.. That's not too big a deal!" Better you than me

[@mejesse809]

The hardest my fingers have ever been snapped, was from a square, spring loaded window balance, u talk about pain ...Mrs. "O"

[@johnwilliams4545]

How the Fig can you prefer this to working on Heavy Vehicles? 😅

[@ozzy12037]

I just love sitting at my desk watching Eric O. make things work again. He can do it, but I can't. 3 hours from me in PRNY.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Eric you would have loved 1960's cars. When I first started driving my first car was a 1965 Mercury Comet with a 200 -cu. in. straight six. Such an easy car to work on. I sort of feel sorry for you with todays so complex vehicles. Four staring you in the face bolts and two hoses and your out.

[@kenmohler4081]

I had a ‘65 Falcon just like it. Three on the column, no air. I think the 200 inch six and the AM radio were the only options. It had been built by a dealer body shop guy from two cars. It said Falcon on one side and Futura on the other. Super easy to work on.

[@lmt200ish]

I switched careers from mechanic and I hate that I am loosing my diagnosis ability as technology changes. Watching you makes me feel I am keeping in touch with technology and not becoming as obsolete as time goes on.

[@21Piloteer]

Same here. I last touched a vehicle professionally in 2001. I was working on cars from the 80's-early/mid-90's.

[@lmt200ish]

@@21Piloteer Same, about 2003 for me.

[@jack002tuber]

Gone are the days of pop it in and out in a few minutes. Goodbye 1970. We miss you.

[@Ram14250]

Replaced radiators on Camaro, Caprices and the "big" 1977 Monte Carlos of the era... it was never a "few minute" job. In those days you prayed you can get the trans cooler lines off with out twisting the lines.

[@andries4561]

Hey Eric, thats looking like my work as a euro mechanic 😂 Pulling bumpers and fronts all the time for condensers and radiators

[@jameshoward2738]

As a Challenger owner, I was looking forward to watching you struggle with the nuts that hold the bumper cover to the fenders, only to find the 300 doesn't have 'em. More bumper cover, less fender on the 300.

[@Servant927]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 🦃

[@stephencurry8552]

People will ask, what are you watching? Since I turn my own wrenches, they would never understand how beneficial it is to watch you work on something as simple as remove and replace a radiator. I can relate to everything you say. Makes me feel better as I know it is not just me being frustrated. Like the missing tangs on the radiator et cetera. Be well.

[@wk2268]

Get 'er done Eric! Isn't it great to work on something you don't have to plug a computer into to diagnose? Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@ronaldbrosius7488]

South Main Auto best thing on KZbin!! Excellent job as always, thanks for posting, happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@johndoyle4723]

Ok ,thanks, I know it is not finished yet, but that job would take me all day and some. You have some fancy tools like the remote hose clip remover, the guys who do this job on their drive just have to struggle.

[@markmckinley5989]

That remote hose clamp pliers should be standard shade tree kit by now.

[@evilzarmy1]

I recently bought a 1999 Chevy Blazer, and I am a Chevy Hater, but good lord is it easy to work on, I'll bet my radiator change was quicker and easier.

[@FixIt1975]

Radiator job on a 1970 Chrysler 300, half hour. Same job on a 2005 and up 300, 6 times as long. I just looked it up on my lunch for shits and giggles 😂😂 Happy Holidays, Dr. O to you and yours

[@tommyhawks856]

It is absolutely insane that so much disassembly needs to be done just to replace a radiator.

[@malceone]

I am watching Mr. O even if he doesn’t work on BMWs. I am BMW owner for the last 20 years and I am amazed how much those Bavarians are easier to work on it. Radiator 20 min job, no programming TPMS , oil and filters are breeze and so on. I know Scotty would say money pits but I love them.

[@robertjennings397]

If serving is breeze, that car will be worth it weight in gold!

[@malceone]

@@robertjennings397 I don’t know about serving but servicing is a breeze. You should buy one and just try.

[@robertjennings397]

@@malceone Thanks for your kind reply.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Well keep it running because the new ones are not so friendly to work on or as reliable.

[@RJon2006]

Chrysler bumpers suck. I fought the bumper on my 2017 Pacifica doing a radiator too. It never fit right after either. I keep wanting to go back and see if I can make it fit better but it’s not a show van. Keep up the good work Eric O! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rssvss]

Radiator attachments... windshield adhesive!! Works great.

[@Asapfern830]

Thanks to u I was able to tackle my own radiator removal today

[@xbin87116]

Something I learned by using aftermarket radiators and doing it twice. Always Pressure test them prior to installation.

[@billneu9520]

I remember the old days 2 hoses 4 bolts bring it to the Radiator repair shop next all fixed, reinstall that was an easy job Bill N LI NY

[@b61mack56]

S&K still makes your favorite trim tool. Over $100 .00 😬

[@TheLocknLoadChannel]

I just did this job on my 2019 300s and installed a Murray radiator from Oreillys. It also didnt have the aluminum tabs for the plastic parts.

[@jplifee]

Ive used some soapy water to help lubricate those bumper cover clips/ retainer deals

[@johnboywaltonbeard4699]

Eric O’…I thought you said this was going to be easy?? This is why I love Early Chevys! Two Hoses, Trans lines, Fan Shroud, and top plate. Radiator out in 10 minutes. Changed the Radiator on Jeep Cherokee with Hemi. A lot of Swearing and 8 hours! Sometimes I use cardboard to protect the core while wrestling it in place.

[@chrisforker7487]

I love your attitude going into these projects! I cringe when i have to take the facia off my wife’s Odyssey!

[@þþþþþþþþþ]

20:41 "It doesn't help us any but we did something" I do that A LOT when workin on my cars.

[@markroper9269]

No need for a radio to entertain.....not when you have a running commentary from the smartest guy in the room!!! 😛😛 Have a great Thanksgiving!

[@aanadirbloodblade905]

That’s what’s great about the dealer life, no aftermarket crap. OE or I don’t touch it.

[@Don_Iocco]

Looks like the Jeep designers designed that. Thanks for the video Eric O

[@wolvesone]

not too long ago i had to do the radiator on my 02 decrepid it was one of the easiest jobs i had on that car until it came to putting the plastics on to the new radiator because the holes for all the tiny christmas tree fasteners were all too small so i had to carefully drill out the holes oh and i had to do this in the street since no garage and with cheap tools but i got r done lol

[@Sojourning_]

Rock On Boss, Haven't seen the Lovely Mrs. O' in a while, a happy Thanks giving to you and yours, Jesus is Lord.

[@guyfawkes4828]

Love South main auto Mr o is the best for information. But as a home mechanic this is insane just to remove a radiator. I understand that Mr o gets payed to do this but my god this is just nuts for a radiator. Keep up the great work Mr o .

[@CrimeVid]

My favourite van took about I5 minutes to change the rad in, about 6 little bolts, tilt the grille forwards and take off the hoses, reverse.

[@mattbrown5511]

That looks like a severe PIA. You made it look easy as usual.

[@matthewrpociask8307]

I think that is my dad was alive today to see what you have to do just to replace a radiator in a modern car whose head would spin. Even if I wanted to do it there's no way that I would ever take on trying to replace a radiator in a modern car if I could do it. Eric you have a lot of patience Wanting to do a job like this What you have to do to get a radiator out of a car is absolutely insane, But radiators nowadays are plastic not like the olden days where they're all metal. Eric I look forward to seeing the part 2 and finish in assembly Of that Piece of junk you're working on I give you credit sir.

[@sargefreedom1578]

Dang!! They sure make it easy. I’ve gotten to where I just pay the extra for certain OEM parts.

[@jamesfitzgerald2361]

I did one with the high horsepower Hemi.that Wes an expensive radiator. A little more design would have made the job easier instead of removing half the front of the car

[@DerGolf2000]

The plastik/rubber thingy that not will stick to the new radiator. Windshield glue is your friend for that.

[@hazadus2u]

I signed on for a radiator removal, not complete car teardown video I'll be back when my brain can handle it!😂😂😂

[@tomd5010]

A happy Thanksgiving has an SMA video in it!

[@dhl5042]

And I thought about buying one of these..... but I bought a 2010 Tahoe, had it 7 yrs now, 202K miles, & I do all my own service.... most recently ball joints.😅

[@lesterburtard7588]

18:30 Howdy, Instant Comment Alert! (ICA) Gotta say, good special effects with the camera "zoomimg away" at 18:30 For that moment, it felt 3-D took me 7 replays and increased volume to figr out. Back to the video i'll keep ya updated ty, les

[@algorithm-w7o]

Old timers, remember about 8 bolts and 2 hoses. And ofcourse 2 beers And it was done. Thanks Chrysler......

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

You know it's about to get real when Eric says, and I quote, "friggin, friggity, frigholes"! 🤣

[@michaelmathews295]

You are correct on that SK tool, $84.00!

[@daniellafferty4086]

I kinda sucks, you gotta pull that stuff off. Just to get the radiator out that's crazy

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Afternoon Eric👍👍

[@teddy2333]

I remember on my old 2004 300m, needed to change the rad. Looked in service data and it said 2 bolts, remove rad. BUT it's to get to them 2 bolts. Whole front end had to come off.

[@robertoruiz7069]

WELL ERIC,NOW you know why they sell so many drywall screws and the hardware store. 2-4 of those from the bottom up on the radiator should hold a rubber seal on just right.But a better way to do it is using the spray insulating foam in a can and run a bead on the rubber and hold it in place while it expands and hardens.But you have to slap it in place REALLY FAST.Double sided sticky tape works too,but parts have to be super clean.Good clean video.

[@michaelknorr6825]

Let the engineers do half of the repair work for a month and see what changes. When you have to disect the front bumper for a radiator replacement, there is a problem.

[@brad6665]

That will never happen because it would involve a cut in pay, but it is a good idea that the engineer comes from repair background before becoming an engineer.

[@andrewb8548]

You misunderstand the task of engineers. The corporation wants repeat sales. The product needs a $500-700 repair before its paid off and a $2-3000 repair just as soon as it is. Ford wants everything to fail at around 150,000 miles, Toyota 500,000 kilometers.

[@scrappy7571]

All vehicles are designed for quickest assembly by trolls on an assembly line. No concern for repairs ever.

[@joem4746]

Reminds me of the radiator I just did in an 04 Sedona. What a PITA. I ran out of curse words and started making up my own 🤬🤦‍♂️😂

[@chuckgrenci6404]

By looking at the disassembly, it appears that the manufacturer could have easily granted a lot easier access to repair part. While integration of parts can usually create a more rigid assembly, hiding access fasteners shouldn't be part of the norm.

[@chrisforker7487]

Engineers don’t give a crap about mechanics, in fact, I’m pretty sure they relish in making things harder or impossible to fix!

[@smarthome2660]

Don't you just love it when car manufacturers don't think about how parts will need to be serviced on some cars and others they do? 1997 S-10 pickup you need to remove the entire dash to replace the heater core. 1970 Buick Gran Sport heater core I had to remove the passenger door and fender to get at the blower then replace the heater core. 1980 Mustang's with no air, heater core is behind the glove box (3 bolts) then 2 bolts to remove the heater core cover.

[@richardrhodes-gc2ko]

Always the latest and greatest time/safety saving tools! :)

[@danielesilvaggi]

Ya I know what you mean about aftermarket. I put a rad into my buddies 2010 Wrangler 3 years ago and the dam thing is leaking from the tank where the core is crimped. He and I are both just infuriated. Of course it only does this shit when winter comes and we have to change it outside.

[@melhall94]

Please tell me the metal clip of your pocket knife is not contacting the painted surface. Whatever happened to using fender protectors? Belt buckle also.

[@TheWibbo]

yeah i noticed that as well, made me cringe a little.

[@kain0m]

what good would a fender protector do on a car this dirty? None at all - it would do more harm than good.

[@bertgrau3934]

I changed the radiator on a 1998 Chrysler Concorde, it wasnt quite as much work, but wasn't as easy as my 88 Dodge Dakota. Still i don't understand why it has to be so much trouble . Had to move the radiator to change the alternator on the 98 Concorde as well. That was a real pain.

[@int53185]

We used to try different ways to remove radiators and condensers. But sometimes it's just easier to remove everything in the way.

[@matthewfort3740]

My 06 300c has three rads in it so far. Alot of it is aftermarket pluss alot of it is our bad pot fill roads too. But my year no need to pull the bumper cover off it to change out.

[@ronallen6578]

Eric, Would it help to remove the gas tank too??

[@trunkmonkey355]

Thanks for the video. Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

[@brianallyn5308]

30 year old vehicle, replace radiator, open hood, remove hose and drain fluid, removed couple bolts, pull out old radiator, replace and reinstall (1 hour total). New car, tell computer what you are doing, open hood, take half engine apart, remove hose and drain, remove tires, remove front bumper and supports, remove under car guards, disconnect any electrical, remove radiator and then do in reverse (8 hour total).

[@douglash3129]

Hi Eric and the lovely Mrs.O., I just wanted to wish you both and your family Happy Thanksgiving!! Thanks for all the videos!🦃🦃🦃

[@kenmohler4081]

You need to move that bucket, Eric. You should have been able to hit it. You are a pro. 😅

[@roberttaylor3157]

Hey Eric, The part You are having trouble with (21:40) goes on top of the radiator. It keeps the schmutz from falling down and clogging the veins.

[@oliver_klozoff]

There are 2 pieces. A bottom and top. Look again, he has the right one.

[@roberttaylor3157]

Thanks, missed the bottom pc.

[@oliver_klozoff]

@@roberttaylor3157 🤙

[@robpeabo509]

Good of Chrysler to have *mm fasteners on everything you needed to remove. We have a NAPA where I live in Australia. I have never bought parts from them. I use local Australian auto parts shops or OEM. I see no need to be let down by NAPA when the local hops do just that from time to time!

[@dozer101308]

Eric can you explain a petcock drain to the GM engineers? That'd be great.

[@GaJeepr]

Hey there E.O. ! Looks like the Jeep Wrangler boys could give some advice since this is where their motor came from! Settle down boys and girls I own several Jeeps... just none with THAT motor. LOL Thanks for the "tutorial" and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

Any reason why 3M glue or rubber glue won't hold that seal onto the radiator if you don't have retainers?

[@aku2dimensional]

Too bad you don't have a radiator replacement video for a 2013 Impala with the big 3.6 liter. My Chevrolet decided to call it quits and leak out the radiator and upper hose, hose was an easy fix but the radiator is a little more involved and having a video of yours to reference could be helpful.

[@michaeljordan7733]

All that just to change a radiator, excellent engineering

[@johnchambers12]

I am glad to see it take your 2 hands to close the remote hose clamp tool, i thought i was getting weak when i did my first one with that same tool . It gets clamps out of some pretty tight spots with no cuss words required !

[@MrTimo540]

Might want to lose the knife in your pocket when reaching way down in the engine. At 3:17 it looked pretty close to doing damage. Had me cringing.... You're still the best in the business!!

[@thomaschristensen755]

My comment the other video was meant tongue-in-cheak, and was not a comment on your skill, but rather a poke at folks who don't seem to trust your skill.

[@mikeypops73]

my '15 Dodge was leaking coolant running. cold car pressure test, negative cor leaks. coolant stains looked the same as this radiator. turned out upper radiator hose connection was weeping and leaking down and pooling below. easy fix but a bit of a mystery at first.

[@Discretesignals]

Funny i used to make fun of my mother watching soap operas after coming home from a stressful job full of drama....and here i sit after working on cars all day watching Eric pull a radiator.

[@2packs4sure]

About 10 years ago I replaced the original radiator on my 180000 mile 1989 Ford Crown Victoria and I think the TOTAL job time was about an hour from start to finish...

[@justamessenger5985]

Thanks for another great video, Eric! Cant wait for part 2

[@Hubjeep]

7:55 Is that an SK pivoting head pry tool? Edit, You answered the question 6646