2011 Denali Radiator Replacement

XLDenali11 · Nov 12, 2024

Recently noticed a coolant leak coming from the radiator and wondering what is the recommendation for a replacement. I have both oil and trans cooler. I have about 173,000 on the truck and wanted to get some maintenance done while I have the coolant drained. Looking at doing Radiator, hoses and water pump. Is there anything else you guys would recommend doing while I am at it? Any tips to making the job easier would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

petethepug · Nov 12, 2024

Order the Gates belt kit off Amazon with the green belt. OEM radiators are guaranteed for life and seem to last for about 5 years in my old Yuke & current Esky.

The issue with radiators seems to be the material (plastic) head tanks.

jdwood1111 · Nov 15, 2024

If your doing that, I would also replace the hoses including the dorman metal Y hose (better replacement than the plastic one) and plastic heater tees that are known to break. I just replaced all my hoses and tees and thermostat a couple of months ago. My radiator was fine. I can't now but I have a thread where I posted the part numbers and such you can reference for all that if need.

Tip is to get a hose spring clamp tool. My job went great until it was time to reinstall the lower radiator hose and I could NOT get any typical tools in there to keep it compressed and slide it on. Borrowed a old school hose clamp from a neighbor and finally got it on!

Noggles · Nov 15, 2024

I would also do a new thermostat (oem) and the cover for it (blanking on the name right now). I would also do new coolant as well and you can usually get a smoking deal for the prediluted stuff on Rock Auto for less than half the cost that the local stores sell it for even counting shipping.

Geotrash · Nov 15, 2024

XLDenali11 said:
Recently noticed a coolant leak coming from the radiator and wondering what is the recommendation for a replacement. I have both oil and trans cooler. I have about 173,000 on the truck and wanted to get some maintenance done while I have the coolant drained. Looking at doing Radiator, hoses and water pump. Is there anything else you guys would recommend doing while I am at it? Any tips to making the job easier would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Denso is the OEM manufacturer. When I replaced mine in my 2012 XL Denali, I went with this one: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10450388&cc=1502531&pt=2172&jsn=493

Doubeleive · Nov 15, 2024

radiator, water pump/thermostat, reservoir tank, oem heater hoses & T's
you might consider doing the upper & lower hoses also just for good measure
flush power steering fluid
flush brake fluid
all depends on what has or has not been done already
the list get's longer lol

Joseph Garcia · Nov 16, 2024

Change ALL coolant hoses in the engine bay. The heat deteriorates them over time. If you don't change them, they will do you in.

When you change out the Heater hose Tees, be sure to wear gloves, as the firewall insulation is quite aggressive, and your hands will itch for days.

2011 Denali Radiator Replacement

XLDenali11

TYF Newbie

petethepug

Michael

jdwood1111

Full Access Member

Noggles

Member

Geotrash

Dave

Doubeleive

Wes

Joseph Garcia

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