Proper radiator maintenance is essential to ensure your car is always running at full throttle and to avoid costly engine damage due to overheating. It's not a particularly difficult job, but some of you may need a manual like the Haynes or the Chilton in case you run into any difficulties.
Steps
Step 1. Think of everything you will need for this job and make a list
Depending on how deep you want to go or how high your budget is, this list can change. The main list includes the radiator and coolant. You may also need sleeves, hose clamps, various nuts and bolts, and a thermostat.
Step 2. Observe the pipes and connections to and from the radiator
Crush the pipes to see if they have deteriorated. If any of the pipes have bulges at the clamps or have cracks or soft spots, replace them. Also replace the zip ties if they are bent, or they won't stay tight. Replace the thermostat as it is cheap and you are already draining all the coolant from the system.
Step 3. If you hear squeaks when squeezing the pipes, you probably have rust build-up in your cooling system
The system will need to be rinsed before filling it with the new coolant. There are kits to do this for sale at your trusted auto parts, but if you prefer to do it yourself, here's how:
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Empty the old liquid into a suitable container to be able to dispose of it. (many radiators have a removable bottom cap)
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Locate and remove the thermostat.
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Locate and remove the top coolant tube.
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Insert a garden hose where the top coolant hose enters the engine.
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Turn on the water and let it run until the water that comes out is clean.
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Remove the coolant reservoir and rinse it too.
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Drain all the water and reinstall the thermostat and liquid tank.
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Step 4. Now that you have everything you need and have (if necessary) cleaned up the system, you are ready to go
If you haven't done so yet, empty the old coolant into a special container to be able to dispose of it. (many radiators have a removable bottom cap) and remove the thermostat.
Step 5. Locate and disconnect all hoses leading to the radiator
Use a suitable penetrating oil on all zip ties to prevent breakage. In some cars, there may be a small radiator designed to cool the transmission oil inside the main radiator, be careful to collect the transmission oil that will come out when you disconnect it (not even that oil can). Be careful, because the various fluids that will come out are all very toxic.
Step 6. Locate and disconnect the connector for the radiator fan and any other electrical components
Usually it is necessary to remove the fan holder to remove the radiator. It should be screwed directly to the radiator. Use penetrating oil on the bolts to avoid breakage!
Step 7. Look at your radiator
There should be no hoses, no electrical connectors, and it should have enough space to remove. If not, determine the situation and consider what to remove.
Step 8. When you are ready, see how the radiator is connected to your car
There are usually brackets bolted to the car at the top, and the bottom rests on rubber mounts. Disconnect the top brackets and lift the radiator up. If it comes off, congratulations! Otherwise, don't pull like crazy and don't try to leverage. Take a good look at it to see if you notice any other bolts.
Step 9. To install the new radiator, proceed in the reverse order of the disassembly just performed
Remember not to over tighten the hose clamps. Try to remember all the pieces you took apart! If you forget even just the fan motor connector or a small joint between two pipes, you risk wasting a lot of time and unnecessary effort.
Step 10. After everything is reassembled, fill the system with coolant
To do this, remove the radiator top cap and fill it until you see the liquid reach a few inches from the rim. Start the engine (but do not give gas), the liquid level will drop because the engine will start to operate the system. Continue filling the radiator until the level stabilizes. Then put the cap back on and tighten it. Finally, fill the coolant reservoir to level. If you have spilled transmission oil during disassembly, check its level; you may need to add NEW oil.
Step 11. Finish
Advice
- Be patient and careful. Don't get mad at the car, it's an inanimate object, it certainly doesn't want to make your life difficult.
- Make sure you have the right tools: a set of wrenches, containers to drain the liquid, pliers / screwdrivers for the clamps, a funnel to add the new liquid, penetrating oil, a knife or cutter (to cut the pipes to size in case you are using universal tubes).
Warnings
- Do not try to do this job when the engine is hot, unlike changing the oil, there are no advantages in replacing a radiator when the engine is hot, on the contrary, it becomes more dangerous.
- Keep antifreeze out of the reach of children and animals! Ethylene glycol is poisonous, and its sweetish smell can be misleading.
