Radiators(R) rust over time and cause coolant to leak from them. There are many products on the market that try to remedy this problem but none of them are permanent and very few actually work. They get damaged from a front end collision with another vehicle or from little animal’s nesting.
It is also not uncommon to receive damage from rocks hitting that kick up and hit the part. Whether the leak that you have is small or large, it is important to replace it if it’s leaking to prevent serious engine damage from coolant starvation and overheating.
To replace your radiator, follow the steps below:
1. Allow the engine to cool down to ambient temperature before opening the (R) cap. (It’s under high pressure and temperature and should be handled with care.)
2. Place a drain bucket underneath the (R) to capture used coolant. Unscrew the drain plug at the bottom and allow the coolant to drain into the drain bucket.
3. Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses from the radiator. They will be held on with hose clamps that can be removed with a screwdriver. Twist the (R) hoses right and left to loosen them from the (R) and then pull them out.
4. Disconnect the (R) fan connectors.
5. Remove the fans from the radiator. There will be 4 bolts holding each (R) fan to the (R). Remove them with a ratchet.
6. Loosen the mounting bolts that attach the (R) to the (R) core support. There will be 4 bolts holding the (R); Use a ratchet to remove them.
8. Pull the (R) from the engine bay.
9. Install new one and tighten the bolts that attach the (R) to the core support.
10. Install the fans and connect the connectors.
11. Pour coolant into the (R).
12. Bleed the cooling system to ensure that all air pockets are removed. To do this keep the radiator cap open, start the vehicle, and put the heat on max. Rev the motor to 2,000 RPM’s and hold for about 10-15 seconds. Repeat at least 2-3 times.
13. Close the cap.
That’s all there is to it. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves just in case the coolant is still warm so that you don’t burn yourself.
Tags: air pockets, collision, engine, gloves, hose clamps, r to the core, radiator, radiator cap, radiator hoses, radiators, vehicle