GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1996 🢒 Riviera 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Cooling 🢒 Radiator Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

    in General Information.
  2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to General Vehicle Lifting and Jacking in General Information. Support the vehicle with safety stands.

    3. Object Number: 69922 Size: SH
  3. Remove the radiator lower air deflector.
  4. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  5. Install the lower air deflector.
  6. Lower the vehicle.

    7. Object Number: 46164 Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper tie bar.

    8. Object Number: 69925 Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the cooling fans.
  9. Remove the cooling fans. Refer to Electric Cooling Fan .

    10. Object Number: 69926 Size: SH
  10. On the L36 & L67 engines, disconnect the electrical connector from the coolant level indicator probe on the radiator end tank.

    11. Object Number: 46171 Size: SH
  11. On the L36 and L67, disconnect the coolant recovery reservoir hose from the radiator filler neck.

    12. Object Number: 69927 Size: SH
  12. On the L47, disconnect the surge tank hoses from the radiator.

    13. Object Number: 23660 Size: SH
  13. On the L36 and L67, disconnect the radiator inlet (1) and the outlet (2) hose from the radiator.

    14. Object Number: 69929 Size: SH
  14. On the L47, disconnect the radiator inlet hose (1) and the outlet hose (2) from the radiator.
  15. Remove the bolts from the condenser.

    16. Object Number: 46169 Size: SH
  16. Disconnect the transaxle cooler lines from the radiator.

    17. Object Number: 69930 Size: SH
  17. On the L47, disconnect the engine oil cooler lines from the radiator.

    18. Object Number: 69932 Size: SH
  18. Remove the radiator.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 69932 Size: SH
  1. Install the radiator in the vehicle. Locate the bottom of the radiator on the lower mounting insulators.

    2. Object Number: 46169 Size: SH
  2. Connect the transaxle oil cooler lines to the radiator.

    3. Tighten

        • Tighten the transaxle oil cooler lines (L47) to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).
        • Tighten the transaxle oil cooler lines (L36 & L67) to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


    Object Number: 69930 Size: SH
  3. Connect the engine oil cooler lines to the radiator.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the engine oil cooler lines (L47) to 14 N·m (124 lb in).

    Install the bolts to the condenser. Refer to HVAC.


    Object Number: 23660 Size: SH
  4. On the L36 and L67, connect the radiator inlet hose (1) and the outlet hose (2) to the radiator.

    5. Object Number: 69929 Size: SH
  5. On the L47, connect the radiator inlet (1) and the outlet (2) hose to the radiator.

    6. Object Number: 46171 Size: SH
  6. On the L36 and L67 engines, connect the coolant recovery reservoir hose to the radiator.

    7. Object Number: 69927 Size: SH
  7. On the L47, connect the surge tank hoses to the radiator.

    8. Object Number: 69926 Size: SH
  8. On the L36 & L67, connect the electrical connector to the coolant level indicator probe.
  9. Install the cooling fans. Refer to Electric Cooling Fan .

    10. Object Number: 69925 Size: SH
  10. Connect the electrical connectors to the cooling fans.

    11. Object Number: 46164 Size: SH

  11. Install the upper tie bar assembly and the screws.

    Tighten
    Tighten the tie bar assembly screws to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  12. Refill the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  13. Connect the negative battery cable.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  14. Check the transaxle fluid. Refill the transaxle fluid if necessary. Refer to Maintenance and Lubrication.
  15. Start the engine. After the engine reaches normal operating temperature, check for coolant leaks.