Chevrolet's truck engines have always used a closed pressurized system, meaning that the system is sealed shut to build pressure. The antifreeze in the radiator works in conjunction with the system's pressure to increase the point at which the radiator fluid boils, thereby preventing overheating. The most susceptible components of these cooling systems are the two radiator hoses. Over time, the strength of the hoses declines. Pressure from within the system will eventually escape by wearing a hole through one of the hoses, in which case the hose must be replaced.
Place a drain pan underneath the driver's side of the radiator, then remove the radiator cap.
Twist the radiator's petcock plug from the bottom of the radiator on the driver's side with a wrench until radiator fluid begins to exit the radiator through the plug. Allow approximately one gallon of radiator fluid to drain into the drain plan, then close the plug with the wrench.
Remove the upper radiator hose from the top of the radiator. The hose slides onto a metal fitting on the radiator, and is held in place with a hose clamp. Chevrolet has used a number of clamp styles over the years, but each type is secured by a single screw. Loosen the screw with a screwdriver, then pull the hose off of the radiator.
Remove the upper radiator hose from the top of the intake manifold. The upper radiator hose is secured to the intake manifold in the same manner used to secure the hose to the radiator. Loosen the screw on the clamp and pull the hose off of the manifold.
Slide the two hose clamps off of the old radiator hose, then slide both clamps onto the new radiator hose.
Slide the ends of the replacement hose onto the intake manifold and onto the fitting on the radiator, then tighten the hose clamps in place with the screwdriver.
Fill the radiator with new antifreeze and install the radiator cap.
Place a drain pan underneath the driver's side of the radiator, then remove the radiator cap.
Twist the radiator's petcock plug from the bottom of the radiator on the driver's side with a wrench until radiator fluid begins to exit the radiator through the plug. Close the drain plug once the radiator has finished draining.
Remove the lower radiator hose from the bottom of the radiator. The hose slides onto a metal fitting on the radiator, and is held in place with a hose clamp. Chevrolet has used a number of clamp styles over the years, but each type is secured by a single screw. Loosen the screw with a screwdriver, then pull the hose off of the radiator.
Remove the upper radiator hose from the bottom of the water pump. The lower radiator hose is secured to the water pump in the same manner used to secure the hose to the radiator. Loosen the screw on the clamp and pull the hose off of the water pump.
Slide the two hose clamps off of the old radiator hose, then slide both clamps onto the new radiator hose. Note that the lower radiator hose has a large spring inside of it. This spring is designed to prevent the hose from collapsing under the pressure of the cooling system, and must not be removed.
Slide the ends of the replacement hose onto the water pump and onto the fitting on the radiator, then tighten the hose clamps in place with the screwdriver.
Fill the radiator with new antifreeze and install the radiator cap.
