[OhSix]

Exactly

IIRC, I would call the fitting on the Spectra a "PLUG" not a Cap, it was inside the inlet/outlet, and you pulled it out. I guess if your in a hurry, I could see it happening, and that was almost 3 years ago, they could have changed their packaging.

AH! My error, I ASSuMED trans heat exchanger ports were capped. Your observation explains how someone could overlook a plug vs. cap.

It would be quite a struggle to force a hose over an OSC capped port.

 

[RidgeDawg88]

The Spectra I got came with caps. I used one of them on the tranny fitting but left the hoses alone. After the peacock valve shot out and virtually every once of radiator fluid missed the bucket anyway, I figured a few drops of transmission fluid mixed in wasn't going to piss me off any extra.

Oh, and my fittings were in pretty good shape and both sides were as tight as I would expect them to be. They took a bit of encouraging to break lose. They were in no danger of failing to say the least. 2008 RTL with 90,000 miles. Between the new radiator, the fluids, and the bolts and clips I'll be replacing, I've got about $250 in this PM. At least I'll have peace of mind now I guess.

 

[RidgeDawg88]

With the recall and all, I haven't been in a hurry to get all of the pieces put back together after the radiator replacement. Does anyone know if the large splash guard under the radiator is there for aerodynamics/fuel economy or simply to keep things from "splashing" into the engine compartment? I'm thinking about just leaving it off. I makes accessing things down there a whole lot easier.

 

[Flyboy]

I just did a spectra that had all caps, no plugs. And the brass fittings for the AT fluid were tight out of the box and angled perfectly for the install.

I wouldn't leave the guard off. It's easy enough to put back on and I think there is more danger of getting a rock tossed up and causing damage than the replacement of the guard.

Yeah mine was a pain to take off but putting it back on was easier. (mine had been off before an the wrong fasteners were in a few holes. Glad I bought the kit and replaced them.)

 

[hwycycle]

So, I just completed this PM. Even though I just bought a 2016 F150, I'm selling my Ridgeline to a friend and didn't feel comfortable selling it, being aware of this possible issue. As I was also do for a Transmission flush and refill (x3), this was as good a time as any.

As others mentioned, the upper and lower shroud clips have a tendency to break or be missing, as I found. I ran into an issue with the cooling fan mounting bolts. All the lower attachment bolts were rusted, so either have them ready or be ready to run to a hardware store.
I ordered from RockAuto for approximately $125. Although the first radiator came bent, the replacement was straight and true.

I'll test drive for a couple of days to ensure there are no leaks, and the Ridgeline will be off to the 2nd owner.

 

[RidgeDawg88]

^^^a man with integrity.

 

[Carsmak]

So, I just completed this PM. Even though I just bought a 2016 F150, I'm selling my Ridgeline to a friend and didn't feel comfortable selling it, being aware of this possible issue. As I was also do for a Transmission flush and refill (x3), this was as good a time as any.

As others mentioned, the upper and lower shroud clips have a tendency to break or be missing, as I found. I ran into an issue with the cooling fan mounting bolts. All the lower attachment bolts were rusted, so either have them ready or be ready to run to a hardware store.
I ordered from RockAuto for approximately $125. Although the first radiator came bent, the replacement was straight and true.

I'll test drive for a couple of days to ensure there are no leaks, and the Ridgeline will be off to the 2nd owner.

Hope you atleast made him help?

^^^a man with integrity.

Exactly!!!

 

[hwycycle]

Thanks guys, if I had traded it to a dealer, I would have left the Maintenence for them to do....

I replaced the radiator, brake rotors, pads, all the fluids and wipers. I'd rather see the Ridgeline go to someone I know and after doing this work, I wish my girlfriend would've taken it... Too big for her.

I enjoy doing automotive work and since my brother still has his Ridgeline (140k miles), this keeps me in the Ridgline loop.

Unfortunately, after seeing the Gen 2 Ridgeline, it just wasn't for me. I waited a long time to see it before I made the jump to Ford.

Thanks to everyone here for the advice and ideas.

 

[Sobbsola]

finally got around to installing my new radiator was really easy.

take the top plastic piece off:

take the bottom shield off:

take off this hose that goes to the rad, at the transmission (the one on the shiny pipe):

take off this hose, have the catch can ready for both hoses:

drain the radiator (i used the petcock), take off the radiator hoses, top mounts, hood prop holder, fan wiring, don't forget the one for the a/c

ta-daa:

transfer fans and trans hoses to new radiator, (don't forget to tighten the tranny fittings after getting them in the right direction):

reinstall everything, refill with coolant and tranny fluid (started dw-1 swap), bleed air and you're done.

i realized i should have bought the foam pieces for the top and bottom, but ended up cutting the old top one off and used some 3m tape to stick it back on the new radiator. i've read report of the new units being loose, and i think this was the problem, i have almost no movement

temp seemed to be a bit higher than the old unit, but there might have been some air still left in there, temp is better today


and that's it, i still have the lower shield off checking for leaks.

here's the old fittings, not much rust, i could have gone longer, but i don't like to gamble with expensive parts like transmissions...

I just bought a 2013 with 105K Honda did safety check and 51 point inspection with fluids etc.
I want to check my fittings and replace rad as a preventative measure.
Anybody know where to buy the spectra or other Rad mentioned Amazon doesn't seem to have it.

 

[GhostYK1]

Have you tried calling a local radiator/auto shop?

I called my local radiator shop and I had a Spectra Premium in hand it that afternoon. You may have a harder time finding a Spectra Premium in the US. They have them listed @ $350CDN on Amazon.ca.

 

[Sobbsola]

Which model number did you get , I also have a 2013 year

 

[GhostYK1]

The Spectra Premium rad that I bought was Spectra part number CU13065.

 

[jmsobbs]

Hey thanks for getting back to me so quick I just picked up the truck today I haven't been able to go underneath and look at the radiator yet but I will I went on Amazon and I don't see a Spectra radiator with a c u number for my year is all different other types but not the Spectra premium I can't find it

 

[guard5]

Any chance someone saved the pictures for the radiator swap in the original post? I have only seen one youtube video, but was hoping for more resources.

 

[bigdogrod]

Any chance someone saved the pictures for the radiator swap in the original post? I have only seen one youtube video, but was hoping for more resources.

all my pics are gone, thanks godaddy... if you need help i can answer your questions (hopefully), the install was pretty easy, tough part was getting a good replacement part

 

[guard5]

all my pics are gone, thanks godaddy... if you need help i can answer your questions (hopefully), the install was pretty easy, tough part was getting a good replacement part

Sounds good, thank you! I think I am going to go with the OSC. More Information for OSC 2830