How to Replace Radiator 06-11 Civic DIY - Skunk2 Alpha Radiator Install

Skunk2 Radiator - jhpusa.com/pro...
Skunk2 Radiator Hoses - jhpusa.com/pro...
Help Support my channel, purchase decals here - garagebuilthon...
Send me stuff here!
Jon Widmer
PO Box 13594
El Paso, TX 79913
/ garagebuilthondas
Thanks for watching!
"Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Built Hondas, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Garage Built Hondas assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair videos. Due to factors beyond the control of Garage Built Hondas, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again, any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Garage Built Hondas."
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll potentially receive a small commission at no cost to you. This will help support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@TheXXXskater1]

Core support Jon not frame

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Sr.Sanhco I didn't know wtf it was really called on these cars!

[@TheXXXskater1]

Garage Built Hondas That's what it's called on all cars or rad support. Technically you aren't wrong it does connect to the frame rails and is used as leverage on the frame rails when pulling before replacing the whole thing.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Sr.Sanhco cool, it confused my since it was just a small piece. It reminded me of the T-bar on EF's. I don't ever refer to those as core supports but they are as well.

[@thonyperez2040]

Sir may i know what is the dimension of it. The height width and thick of it

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Check Skunk2's website.

[@prevail3k]

First time ever replacing my radiator and it was so simple all because of this video, everything was explained and demonstrated so clearly, (unlike most diy videos) great job 👌 thank you 🙏💯

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+RubyRed_FG1 thanks for taking the time to let me know!! I try my best to make them clear and to the point!!

[@boxer951]

great video! bro.explained everything in detail..i'm about to order a Megan Racing aluminum Radiator for my FA5 Civic Si,having some overheating issues,ever since i added a block sealer fiberglass liquid,to seal a hairline crack on the K20z3 and it worked but it worked alil to well lol now my oem radiator got plugged up,which i believe is causing my car to get alil hotter then normal. i ordered a slim fan w/shroud to help cool better along with a Mishimoto thermostat,so i will be watching this video again to do my install.thank for uploading this instructional video 👍👊

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+George Melchor Crazy that it worked, I've never used something like that! Hope the radiator solves the problem!

[@boxer951]

Garage Built Hondas thanks bro.yea i was surprised that it worked too lol.

[@jazimmerman32]

Always watching ur vids. Hopefully one these days I can upload more vids for my channel

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Joseph da zimmerman I like that idea!

[@xThe_Caveman]

Awesome work Jon another great video

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

The_Caveman Appreciate it!

[@juanmayorga948]

I got my skunk2 radiator and the sensor bong from the skunk2 brings a o ring that fits the sensor. Hope that helps

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate the info!

[@kevinwhiting8391]

Thank u... She cuke cool now

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Nice

[@eurolife8015]

Very good video but it would be better if you showed the coolant draining, filling, air bleeding, all heater box hose replacement , and explain the benefits and cost of the aluminum radiator and silicone hoses over the stock radiator. Did you know that spring clanps won't work on silicone hoses and will leak, plus silicone hoses are poreous and over time evaporate water so more frequent monitoring of the coolant level is required. Also, why not replace the radiator and condenser fans with higher performance ones? I'm a professional woman mechanic and like improving the efficiency and performance of my Honda Si. Thank you for your video.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Great input, but I'm trying to show the basics on how to change it on this particular type of car. I'm not trying to completely educate on all of the points you mentioned. Those are you to the user/viewer depending on what they want to use on their car and even if non-mechanically inclined person just needed to swap a radiator this would help greatly. You make a great point for future videos but not sure I'm the guy to do that. I just like showing how you can change them, the other details are left for them to decide. Appreciate the comment, very well thought out and written.

[@SignalStopper]

@@GarageBuiltHondas how do you actually fill it, since there is no fill cap directly to the radiator. the cap you are showing is going to the reserve. and you cant really fill from a reserve.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Wrong. The cap goes straight to the radiator. The overflow reservoir also leads to the hose for the cap. If you own one of these cars, go take a look and you'll see it.

[@SignalStopper]

@@GarageBuiltHondas yeah thanks for the info. i checked and youre right. didnt realize it.

[@stoneblue1795]

Really well portrayed, thanks.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Glad it helped!

[@yeahbuddy24lsx]

Hey brother, Why did you go with skunk 2 instead of mishimoto?? && how much did the skunk 2 help?? Does it really help that much??? With engine coolness and power??? I’m thinking about upgraded mine and the fans also..

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Either work well, I like both companies. This owner picked the radiator though for this car. It won't add power but should be more efficient than a stock radiator.

[@ExplosiveMachine]

I like this kind of plastic cover, it covers the shitty unsightly parts but not all of the engine. Still prefer no cover though especially since this engine bay doesn't look quite as empty as mine lol

[@athaothao2880]

sup nice radiator fan civic si k24a2

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yo man!

[@LonelyPlatinum]

I'm just about to put this in mine haha!!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Lonely Touge If you didn't know how to before, this'll make it so easy!

[@steveng3333]

Great video

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!

[@Erated78]

Great video thanks. Is it really necessary to remove the under car tray completely? I didn’t hear you say why it needs to be removed. Cheers

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I did to easily access all the hoses and clamps. It gave more room.

[@rigozuniga132]

Good job ¡!!!!

[@Jesus-in3oz]

Hey man, thanks for the video. How it's holding up now?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

No issues at all

[@dlo-i8l]

Direct bolt on with hoses with k24 swap?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'm unsure. May need larger hoses designed for the K engine.

[@shervue7004]

Love your vids

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Sher Vue much appreciated!

[@henrontv4558]

The hose connector won’t connect at all It’s loose on it. I need help

[@msalazar89]

Great vid

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+M Sal89 thanks!

[@TheXXXskater1]

Hopefully it's made out of better material than their control arms

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Sr.Sanhco My 2 half size radiators in my EF's have been running perfect for the last 3 years, no problems, no leaks, no cracks.

[@TheXXXskater1]

Garage Built Hondas I'm iffy on their products after hearing so many bad stories, but like a coin there's two sides

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Sr.Sanhco I know man, I've heard a lot of people comment about bad experiences too. I guess I'm just a lucky one so far!

[@bige7186]

Hey bro did the skunk 2 radiator come with a cap or did u have to use your stock radiator cap?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Came with a cap if I remember correctly.

[@edwinfuentes9537]

Great video!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Edwin Fuentes thanks Edwin!

[@elimathis2361]

Hey buddy your videos are great!! Im in the process of building my 1997 honda civic ex d16y8 and im also rebuilding a d16y8 engine for boost any good suggestions for my build. Thanks buddy

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Elijah Mathis Thanks, I appreciate the comment!! Have you started the rebuild already?

[@elimathis2361]

Garage Built Hondas yes ive already started im using brian crower cams, supertech drive train kit, skunk2 intake manifold with 70 mm throttle body, full engine rebuild kit, arp head studs and manifold studs, also vms racing cam gears and fuel rail.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Elijah Mathis well damn, doesn't sound like you need any advice st all. 😀. My only advice is to find a tuner who knows what he's doing. Most boosted builds survive when they are tuned right, even no built engines on low boost with a great tune.

[@0371998]

GBH is a punk band too

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Interesting, I didn't know.

[@0371998]

@@GarageBuiltHondas yep, story of cultur ! One day or one night , Try this song : gbh - drugs party in 526, it can be an initiation with the vtec kick in :P Punks & Poseurs 1985 [20]. Charged G.B.H. - Drugs Party in 526 . For sure this is on youtube. take care of you and dont drive in drunkness !

[@roberttempest7543]

Would it be worth putting one on a stock engine ? What would the benefits be for a stock engine?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes, definitely won't hurt. You'll get better cooling compared to the stock radiator.

[@Runescape.]

man o man that civic SI engine looks like a piece of crap, can tell the owner did not take care of it at all, also you should have skipped that o-ring mess and used an actual engine threads sealant...

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Looks like most daily driven engine bays.

[@balancemode4112]

did you feel that your engine is running colder temperature?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Probably not colder but more efficient at cooling.

[@Tycrx89]

Hey Jon, what size radiator do you recommend for the crx with a b series swap? The half rad or full?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+BklynBuild718 The half size I'm using works just fine and it's been track tested. I've used it at our events in the 100+ degrees summers for 3 years now. A full won't hurt and probably work even better. Do you plan on boost, if so the half will be better for room if that's in your future plans. It's all really what you prefer in looks and plans.

[@Tycrx89]

Garage Built Hondas don’t plan on boosting it, I should of mentioned I have the innovative traction bar installed, does the half rad fit with that?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+BklynBuild718 The Skunk2 fits like OEM, crossmember doesn't matter. If you get a generic one, you'll need the bar you have but the mounting provisions on the bottom will be different. You'll probably have to fab something up to fit the radiator so it doesn't hit the hood.

[@Tycrx89]

Garage Built Hondas i see, what fan are you running? And as far as mounting what did you end up doing or using? Sorry for all the questions

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+BklynBuild718 You're good man! I'm using an eBay 12" slim fan mounted normally. Some people like to put them on front of the radiator for a cleaner look but that doesn't cool well and I live in Texas so it's necessary to leave it on the engine side. It works like a champ, no problems at all.

[@SavageMFG]

Hey what did you put between the radiator condenser & radiator so it doesn’t touch ??

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

It just fits this way. Has yours ever been crashed, maybe it just doesn't line up well on your car.

[@SavageMFG]

Garage Built Hondas no my ac condenser is bent & just put a aftermarket radiator in but it touching on the right side , at 12:36 your condenser is touching you radiator & at 13:45 you put something in between so it has space what did you put ?? Is it the old radiator hose

[@allmotordc2546]

Looks really nice good work 👍🏼

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Lowteg Da9 thanks buddy!!

[@jesselyons2002]

How come you didn't just replace the thermostat since you were right there ?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Jesse Lyons Owner didn't choose to.

[@ictadventures]

Is this gonna apply on honda civic LX?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes

[@crxsleeper18]

Hey I need some ef help. I have a built turbo obd1 crx. I'm getting low voltage. Bout 13.5 with accessories off and 11.6 with everything on. Change alternator with my other ef sedan and the alternator worked fine in the sedan and I'm still have issuse. So I changed battery. And fuse box and alt power wire still the same. Now along time ago I ran into cluster issues and fried the cluster so I soldered everything up and it fixed that. I think the cluster fried because I had went to take the fuse box out and found the problem so I put it back in and forgot to plug in a plug. Well I found that and didn't have a issue. So ya I'm lost. I've had this issue for like 2 years and I hardly drive it cause I don't wanna loose ignition power while in boost. Any ideas.

[@crxsleeper18]

I seen on a forum a guy had the same issue and it fried his cluster. And he changed cluster. And said it fixed it. That's all he said. I don't wanna change cluster cause it's a edm sir cluster with mph. 9k tack 150 Speedo. I can change is with my sedan I just don't want to that cluster. I'll check the crx cluster tomorrow

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Josh Elkins you might have a wire in need of repair. Voltage is probably low because of the current through that wire not being where it should be. Double check all the soldered connections/joints and try swapping the cluster just to see if that helps the issue. I've never experienced this problem, I did have s good friend who had a power draw and thought it was his alternator but he had a wiring issue as well. One of the wires to his alternator needed to be repaired and it fixed his issue.

[@crxsleeper18]

Garage Built Hondas ok Ima chexk that. But first ima check the alternator bracket. Had no idea thats what the alternator grounds through. And I just painted all the brackets and mounts for it. Thanks for the reply. Ur my ef inspiration. I have a sedan I wanna b16 swap and I want to get a Wago also

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Josh Elkins I can't say how much comments like that mean to me!! I really appreciate it! And keep at it, the cars will only get stronger and better! Let me know if that helps, I'm curious to see what fixes it!

[@purpledonatello]

Will this procedure work for regular models like lx, ex?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

purpledonatello Yes!

[@billyeason9899]

All manual 06-11 civics share the same radiator. Oem Honda shows full interchange between all trim levels

[@jeshuaaponte3501]

So u dont have to change the hoses?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

That's up to the owner. This guy chose not too.

[@bernardgalimba8144]

Is this only for honda civic SI or also for non-SI?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

All models! 👍

[@bernardgalimba8144]

@@GarageBuiltHondas I look online but it says for online SI MODEL

[@balancemode4112]

can i reuse the stock hoses while instaling this new skunk2 radiator?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Of course. But if you don't know how old they are it'd be smart to replace

[@balancemode4112]

@@GarageBuiltHondas they’re old but not leaking

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'm not the guy who reuses old parts. That's your decisions to make

[@alexmiranda1176]

why does he keep calling a 10mm socket a tillymeter

[@chefgerard1986]

Hi bro. Planning to buy the Skunk2 rad. For my civic 2007 sedan 4 doors. Can it fit in my car? Actually it's automatic transmission.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes. jhpusa.com/products/skunk2-alpha-series-radiator-06-11-civic?_pos=2&_sid=1ff014fbc&_ss=r

[@chefgerard1986]

Alright nice thanks bro.

[@chrisyarber3352]

Haha is that bondo on the radiator ?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Chris Yarber lol, looks like it right? It was some sort of sealant he bought to try and repair a leaking radiator.

[@chrisyarber3352]

Garage Built Hondas haha I was like whaaaat

[@vivekananragbir5503]

Can you put this on say a EX?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes. 👍

[@vivekananragbir5503]

@@GarageBuiltHondas thanks man

[@vonstrong92]

Oem always best to get bra

[@p.auto.t]

and yet again I have been proven correct to stay away from skunk2 parts lol like how do you miss such an important part of the design during manufacturing. Smh.. this that stuff I dont like. The fact that you had to go out your way to find a thicker gasket that actually fits just shows that they don't do enough R&D

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Maybe the sensor was aftermarket also? Unfortunately I don't know the history of this Civic. After installing you can see the sensor went down all the way. I probably could be tried the old gasket but I don't like reusing gaskets like these after the sensor has been removed. I personally wouldn't have re-used the old one just for peace of mind.

[@MUGENKINGU]

Pshh first!

[@MUGENKINGU]

I'm buying you a 5mm Allen socket lol

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+DOHCness lmao!! Please!

[@notone4029]

Skunk2 again. Lol

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Not One Yup, haha! This is a good friends little brothers car.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

+Not One dude, I didn't want to scroll back too far enough to find the other comment about the color of the EP3, but yes, it's like a yellowish gold color? I just saw an old guy driving one yesterday here in town, all stock too! I thought about following him but didn't want to scare him off.

[@notone4029]

Yep that’s the color of mine too . Ha ha. I really want to repaint it . I can spray . Have professionally for years. But everyone said NO cause it’s extremely rare color . I would rather have Lexus pearl white or charcoal grey but prob gonna leave it oem. Next time you see that old man you should try to swindle/ buy him out of it.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Not One I'd leave it alone too because of the color. I'm a fan of the odd ball colors on some of these Hondas. I'd really love a cream colored EF hatch back one day.