How to Install a 98 S10 6-Cylinder 4.3L Radiator Fan Shroud

The cooling fan shroud on your 1998 Chevy S10 pickup or Blazer is a two-piece assembly consisting of an upper and lower portion. Removing the upper fan shroud is straightforward and requires simple hand tools. Removing the lower fan shroud is a bit more involved, and requires draining the cooling system and removing the radiator. The cooling system uses Dexcool extended-life coolant and has a total capacity of 3 gallons. If you have to drain the coolant, do not reuse the old coolant; dispose of it and use fresh premixed 50-50 Dexcool.

Instructions

Upper Fan Shroud Removal and Installation

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod.

2

Remove the bolts that secure the upper fan shroud to the core support with the socket and ratchet. Pull the evaporator tubing from the upper radiator shroud. Remove the four bolts holding the upper fan shroud to the lower fan shroud with the socket and ratchet. Lift the upper fan shroud from the engine bay.

3

Set the upper fan shroud into position on the core support and lower fan shroud. Install the upper fan shroud mounting bolts and tighten to 89 inch-pounds with the inch-pounds torque wrench. Push the evaporator tubing back into its plastic brackets on the upper fan shroud.

Lower Fan Shroud Removal and Replacement

4

Remove the upper radiator shroud as described in steps 1 and 2 of the section titled Upper Fan Shroud Removal and Installation.

5

Loosen the radiator cap and allow the coolant system pressure to evacuate the cooling system. Remove the radiator cap. Lift the front of the vehicle into the air with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the front frame rails. Lower the floor jack until the vehicle rests securely on the jack stands.

6

Place the drain pan under the passenger side corner of the radiator directly under the radiator drain cock. Rotate the drain cock counterclockwise and allow the coolant to drain into the drain pan. Rotate the drain cock clockwise until tight. Remove the drain pan and store it in a safe place until it can be disposed of properly.

7

Loosen the upper and lower radiator hose clamps with the screwdriver. Disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the radiator. Remove the transmission cooler lines with the line wrench, if equipped. Pry up on the metal ring for the oil cooler quick-connect fitting with the screwdriver. Remove the oil cooler lines from the radiator. Plug the oil and transmission cooler lines to prevent loss of fluid.

8

Lift up on the lower fan shroud enough to disengage the locating tabs. Lift the radiator out of the engine bay. Remove the lower fan shroud.

9

Set the radiator into the lower radiator cradle. Slide the lower fan shroud into position. Lightly push down on the fan shroud to engage the locating tabs. Install the upper and lower radiator hose to the radiator and tighten the clamps with the screwdriver.

10

Remove the caps from the transmission and oil cooler lines. Install the transmission cooler lines to their respective fittings on the radiator. Tighten the cooler lines to 33 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and crowfoot attachment. Press the quick-connect ring into the oil cooler quick-connect fitting. Push the oil cooler lines onto the oil cooler nipples; a distinct click will sound when a line is properly installed.

11

Install the upper fan shroud as directed in step 3 of the section titled Upper Fan Shroud Removal and Installation.

12

Lift the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.

13

Pour fresh premixed 50-50 Dexcool coolant into the radiator until the level holds steady just below the fill neck. Start the engine and allow the engine to reach operating temperature; as the thermostat opens, the coolant level will drop.

14

Continue adding coolant until the radiator is full. Increase engine speed to 3000 rpm for one minute. Top off the radiator as necessary and install the radiator cap. Add coolant as needed to the coolant reservoir.