Anyone have good info on replacing the radiator? Tools needed, DIY write-up etc... I did a search and could not even find a you tube video. Reservoir would not keep fluid at max level and fan would run after turning off. Mine appears to be leaking from the lower driver's side. I found a Denso radiator on Rock Auto for $68.

 

You can find videos of radiator replacement on any J series engine, they are all about the same. Drain the radiator first, take the upper and lower hoses off the radiator, take the 2 fans out, remove the 2 upper anchoring brackets then the radiator should lift right out. Clamp back on the upper and lower radiator hoses, refill with new OEM coolant to neck, turn the heat to high and run car with the cap open and a rag around the neck of the radiator. The fan may or may not come on at this point, but coolant will be warm to the touch on the rag (don't touch the coolant in the radiator). Shut car off and top off coolant to the neck if it's low, place the radiator cap back on.

 

Is the Denso on Rock Auto a good replacement? Seems awful cheap at $68. Is it recommended to replace the rad. cap?

 

You should consider changing the thermostat and rad cap if it's never been change. I recommend oem parts only.

Denso is a oem supplier for the rad.

 

also, this is worth the investment. im sure you can find it cheaper online somewhere.
I got mine at a yard sale for 3 bucks and makes the job so much cleaner/ easier

 

Radiator is replaced, not overly difficult, thanks for the info/links.Of concern now, AC is not very cold. The car has 151K and I have never had any service done with it, though it was cold prior to radiator replacement. I didn't do the thermostat.

 

Issue resolved, forgot to plug one of the fan clips back in.