Yukon Denali XL (2011) - Radiator Replacement - Oil Cooler Line Issue

[KC 2013 Tahoe]

Was willing to try OEM, but OSC seemed to be well reviewed.

Also, OEM one seemed to only at places that tack on an addition ~$100 for shipped, which was difficult to take. Summit Racing was decent price, $265 + $10 shipping, but they are backordered for a month.

Installed a Murray Radiator on Saturday into my wife's 2013 Tahoe (MHT 434090). Best 4-hours of my life... NOT!
Lots of sharp edges to tear into my arms as I navigated to the cooling fan plugs, cooler line clips and such. So sharp you don't feel it, you just notice that there's blood on stuff and wonder: "where did that come from?" Thanks GM!

The trans cooler lines snapped into the new radiator easily, however the engine oil cooler lines were definitely tougher. (They are larger diameter than the trans cooler lines, which may explain why more force is required)
First attempt - Couldn't get them to slide in far enough. The new spring clips are apparently very stiff and were binding on the line's taper preventing them from going far enough in to lock.

Added some engine oil to the surface of each line & tried again. A combination of considerable pressure and wiggling and each line reluctantly clicked into place. Also twisted and tugged each line just to make certain they were locked into place... all good.
Adding the oil definitely helped.

BTW - No need to flush a new radiator.

 

[Doubeleive]

The OEM radiator went in smoothly. Night and day difference when trying to get in the oil cooler lines, slide right in. For those replacing their radiator, make sure you get one with OEM fittings.

Also, checked with the manufacturer of the aftermarket radiator i first used. They confirmed i had a legit radiator, but the reason mine didn't have OEM fittings was they produced a limited amount during the pandemic with non-OEM fittings (due to supply chain issues). Looks like i was unlucky and got one of those.

if you have ran it to 125k and never flushed it then ya it needs to be flushed, this is something I always recommend doing annually, regardless of mileage. For no other reason than coolant breaks down chemically, you can see it happen. people will argue it's fine. that's fine to have your own opinion, it's just my recommendation.