How to Replace a Radiator

Due to the hose necks breaking with age, it is important to periodically replace your car’s radiator. Fortunately if you know something about mechanics this is a task that you can do on your own instead of taking your car to your local mechanic.

What You Will Need:

• Ratchet set


• Screwdriver


• Radiator


• Coolant


• Replacement hoses


• Distilled water


• Wrench


• Catch basin

Removing Current Radiator

1. Allow the coolant to flow into your catch basin by opening the radiator drain plug. Should your radiator not have a drain plug, loosen the lower radiator hose.

2. Remove the hoses from the radiator.

3. Remove the radiator shroud and engine-cooling fan. There is no specific process for this as it varies depending on the type of vehicle you own.

4. Remove mounting bolts, screws, clips and other attachment points. Keep these in a nearby container so as not to lose them.

5. Lift the radiator from the engine. This may be a messy process so line your work area with newspaper and place a catch basin under the radiator.

Replacing the Radiator

1. Carefully place your replacement radiator in the engine where the old one used to rest.

2. Replace all mounting hardware.

3. Reinstall the radiator shroud and cooling fan.

4. Re-attach the old cooling hoses or replace the old with new ones. Do not over tighten the hose clamps.

Adding Coolant

1. Mix the coolant and distilled water in the proper ratios. Refer to your car’s manual for the proper ratio for your vehicle and climate.

2. Fill your radiator with the coolant. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, it may need to be poured into the overflow reservoir or other container. Check with your user’s manual.

3. Start the engine to circulate the coolant. Add more coolant if necessary.

4. Using the bleed valve, bleed the air from the radiator system.