How to Change a Radiator

Cars have liquid-cooled engines which require the use of a radiator in order to cool the water that takes heat away from the engine. With time any small failure in this cooling system can cause the engine to overheat and critical components of your car to warp or melt. It can be time consuming to replace the radiator in a car, but if you are mechanically inclined it isn't that difficult. Make sure you have the time and that you car has been parked for awhile to cool down before starting to replace your radiator.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Six hours
• Screwdrivers
• Wrenches
• Drain pan
• Gloves
• Protective eye wear

1. Make sure you familiarize yourself with and identify all of the removal points for the cooling system components. Usually the radiator will be held in place by brackets near the top of the tank. However, some cars will have different radiator configurations. Do not start removing the radiator just yet, you are only familiarizing yourself with the system.

2. Ensure that the ignition is in the off position before loosening the terminal pinch bolt and disconnect the battery terminal with gloves. When working with the radiator you want to avoid electrical short circuits so you should disconnect the battery. When removing the battery make sure the wrench doesn't contact the positive side of the battery. The battery should be clean. If there is corrosion then you want to rinse the battery with water and sprinkle with baking soda in order to neutralize the acid.

3. Find the drain valve for the radiator and turn counter clockwise to loosen. To access the radiator drain valve some cars may require you to remove a protective plastic splash guard.

4. Once you have completely drained the coolant you want to remove all clamps and hoses. You should also remove lower radiator mounts and cooling fan mounts if they exist on your car.

5. Locate and remove the upper radiator hose as well as the upper cooling fan mounting bolts as needed.

6. Remove the mounting bolts and the upper radiator mounting brackets. If you choose to keep the cooling fans in place then you should remove the upper cooling fan mounting bolts. If you are leaving the cooling fans in place then you should disconnect the electrical connector.

7. Once you have completed the first six steps you can inspect the radiator and make sure there are no obstructions in your way. Once you have cleared the radiator you can lift it from the vehicle. The cooling fans can also be removed if needed.

8. After removing the radiator make sure you inspect it for mounting hole locations and brackets to ensure nothing is missing.

9. Now you can take the new radiator out of its shipping carton and check it for any damage. Check to make sure the size is right and that all the mounting holes and brackets are in the same position as the old radiator.

10. Install the cooling fans onto the new radiator. After installing make sure the fans can turn freely. Make sure the electrical connector is clean and that it doesn't have any debris.

11. Now check the cavity for your radiator and make sure it is clean and ready to receive your new radiator. Place the new radiator into the car and reconnect all the hoses, clamps and mounting bolts that you removed. Place new engine coolant in the radiator and then let the engine warm up completely while the radiator cap is off. Then place the radiator cap back on and recheck the system for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• New antifreeze and distilled water should be used to refill the new radiator.
• When hot, a cooling system contains a lot of pressure so you should only check the water when the engine is completely cold otherwise injury could result.
• Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when working on your car.

Who Can Help:

• eFax is the world’s #1 Internet fax service.  Send and receive faxes by email and kiss your fax machine goodbye. 30-Day Free Trial