When the radiator of your car is already damaged, you run the risk of experiencing an overheated engine. Now when this happens to your vehicle, you have no other choice but to replace the radiator right away. Though radiator replacement might be difficult, it could still be done as long as you follow the instructions stated below.
Difficulty level: Difficult (Six hours minimum to complete the task)
Tools needed:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Open Race Wrench
Step 1: Disconnect the battery so any electric cooling fans won’t suddenly get activated when you’re working. also, don’t forget to remove the entire assembly.
Step 2: Disconnect the radiator hoses and drain the radiator fluid. To do these, loosen the hose clamps first.
Step 3: The transmission cooling lines have to be disconnected as well and to do that, you’ll need an open race wrench.
Step 4: Remove all the clamps and screws before lifting the old and damaged radiator.
Step 5: Get the new radiator and slide it into place.
Step 6: Reconnect any clamps or screws that you’ve removed during the removal process.
Step 7: Replace the fan shroud that you’ve removed.
Step 8: Reconnect all the electrical connections.
Step 9: All plastic covers should be replaced.
Step 10: Check for leaks. The main about radiator replacement is that there are just so many things pieces that you’d have to connect and reconnect that it’s no longer surprising that leaks happen after the installation.
Tips
- If it is indeed necessary, read how to lift your car here.
- Some engine thermostats are replaced with new plastic housings, as they deteriorate and may be easily broken disturbed while removing the thermostat. Plan on replacing the thermostat and plastic housing when planning the job.
- Be patient, thorough, and expect setbacks.
- Use distilled water. Regular tap water contains calcium, chlorine and other things that may lead to scale build up in your engine.
- Use only the coolant recommended for your vehicle. Green coolant is not compatible with orange or pink coolant. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coolant type.
- Use penetrating oil on any hard to turn bolts. This will help prevent breaking and stripping.
- A Haynes or Chilton manual would be helpful.
- You should replace any hoses that are cracked, worn, or punctured. You should also replace any hoses that haven’t been replaced in the past 60,000 miles.
- Replace any of the wire/screw type clamps with hose clamps.
Warnings
- Keep Antifreeze away from pets and children! Ethylene glycol is poisonous and it smells sweet so is very enticing.
- Don’t attempt this job while the engine is hot, unlike with an oil change, there is no advantage to be gained from heating the engine prior, and is more dangerous because of the increased likelihood of spillage.
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