Replace Radiator and Flush Coolant
How to Replace a Radiator and Flush the Cooling System
The vehicle's radiator is the component
that removes heat from the engine through thermal heat exchange. It is usually located
in the front of the vehicle under the
hood. The engine creates heat
from the internal combustion that continuously occurs inside the engine; this heat
is transferred to the engine coolant, then circulated through the
thermostat then to the radiator.
Inside the radiator there are many small tubes with cooling fins attached that allows
the coolant to be cooled and then returned to the engine in a continuous cycle.
Radiators are mostly made of two plastic tanks and an aluminum core. When a
radiator leaks coolant it should
be replaced in most cases. This can cause the engine to
overheat and produce serious
engine damage.
Before you start this repair
park your car on a flat surface with the engine cool. Set the parking brake and
insert the transmission
into the park position.
Step 1 - Identify Radiator and Cooling System Components (under hood)
Radiator Identification The thermostat housing is where the thermostat resides; it is connected to the radiator upper tank. The system is filled and checked at the radiator cap. The radiator is held in place by the radiator holder brackets and is usually near the top radiator tank. Some radiator configurations may vary in appearance but the concept is the same. Step 2 - Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal
Remove Negative Battery Terminal Make sure the ignition key is in the off position, loosen the terminal pinch bolt and disconnect the battery cable (gloves suggested). Anytime you perform repair work like this it is a good idea to disconnect the battery to avoid electrical short circuits. Always disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid a short to ground and NEVER let the wrench contact to positive side of the battery. Make sure the battery is clean at all times. If corrosion exists rinse battery with water (hose) and sprinkle with baking soda to naturalize the remaining acid. Step 3 - Drain Cooling System
Locate Radiator Drain Plug (Bottom View) Locate the radiator drain valve; turn it counter clockwise to loosen. On some cars there is a protective plastic splash guard that may need to be removed to access the radiator drain valve.
Radiator Identification The thermostat housing is where the thermostat resides; it is connected to the radiator upper tank. The system is filled and checked at the radiator cap. The radiator is held in place by the radiator holder brackets and is usually near the top radiator tank. Some radiator configurations may vary in appearance but the concept is the same. Step 2 - Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal
Remove Negative Battery Terminal Make sure the ignition key is in the off position, loosen the terminal pinch bolt and disconnect the battery cable (gloves suggested). Anytime you perform repair work like this it is a good idea to disconnect the battery to avoid electrical short circuits. Always disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid a short to ground and NEVER let the wrench contact to positive side of the battery. Make sure the battery is clean at all times. If corrosion exists rinse battery with water (hose) and sprinkle with baking soda to naturalize the remaining acid. Step 3 - Drain Cooling System
Locate Radiator Drain Plug (Bottom View) Locate the radiator drain valve; turn it counter clockwise to loosen. On some cars there is a protective plastic splash guard that may need to be removed to access the radiator drain valve.