How to properly clean the cooling stack on a Duramax

This video will show you what to do if your truck is overheating due to a plugged up radiator. In these models, you cannot see how plugged the radiator really is until you get digging into it. Once you are able to see how dirty it is, you pretty much have the whole thing out anyway so I suggest you don't start this unless you fully intend on completing the process. It doesn't take many tools, a couple sockets, extensions, ratchets, flathead screwdrivers, and some grit. It can be a dirty job, you will leak radiator fluid on the ground. I had overheating issues only while towing, and this was 100% the reason why. My fan clutch was also going out, which I changed before I pulled my radiator, but the plugged radiator was 99% of the contributor to my issue! Anybody can do this if you are patient and don't force things. If you feel like something won't move freely, keep looking for a bolt, clip, or harness that is holding it in. This process will only cost you new radiator fluid and time. It is a cheap fix, but it took me about 4 hours start to finish, so prepare for that time commitment or even up to 10 hours!

[@funkyman9180]

I'm glad I found your video. My 2004 GMC 2500 gets hot after I drive a short distance and shut my truck off. Crazy huh? Anyway this gives me a starting point to troubleshoot my problem. Great video and info. Thanks for posting.

[@prayformojo1117]

Change both your thermostats, there are two with different temperatures.

[@shdwwzrd69]

I actually did my 04.5 in the truck took intercooler out and got a pivot tip for pressure washer so I could clean straight on and didn't bent any fins but cleaned it up nicely I used purple power and simple green now have an 08 gotta do it to

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

Good vid. Thx

[@jaredherbst4315]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@bullofthewoods9374]

if you will spray your coolers off a couple times a years with the hose this will not be as bad as yours was. just a tip

[@MalikWong]

if my lly engine temp stay below 210, it means a good thing right?

[@mikef6706]

I removed all you have removed. A bracket on the passenger side of the radiator was hitting the intercooler tube. I could not get the radiator out of the truck. What did I miss doing for this removal?

[@jaredherbst4315]

At 2:35 that was the only bracket I had to disconnect on mine. Maybe a year or two difference in your truck vs mine, where they added or removed the bracket!

[@supermanprime9119]

How many hrs did this take! Did you do it by yourelf?

[@jaredherbst4315]

It took about 6 hours yes I did it by myself… actually my 2 year old boy helped:)

[@dillonostrum9264]

Looks like you put your coolant cap on while it was hot causing your upper hose to collapse
I did that once while trying to bleed out air

[@muhdooluhahblungata491]

i have an 03 duramax and the fan comes on first thing in the morning instantly, cold or hot, hot or cold. any ideas?

[@cody6.6max]

Mine to

[@UnhappyDuramax]

Hey man you left out about half of the mess. SMH

[@jaredherbst4315]

Haha it is messy but I did show most of the mess I had!