A core component of your Ford Taurus cooling system, the radiator, cools off the engine and prevents overheating. The process sends coolant circulating through hot engine parts, eventually reaching the radiator cooling system. Air blowing through radiator vents (fins) and its passages helps cool the circulating liquid. Clean the front of the radiator in a Ford Taurus in a basic way applicable to most year models.
Instructions
- 1
Understand how the cooling system works. The Taurus cooling process pulls in air while you drive. This causes leaves, insects and dirt to suck into the fins of the radiator fan. Debris in the radiator fan fins results in overheating.
2Make sure the engine is cold before cleaning, as cold water can damage a hot engine. Additionally, a heated engine means the radiator contains hot coolant under intense pressure.
3Lift up the Taurus hood and secure it in a fixed, open position. Find the large square-shaped radiator in the front center of your vehicle to the left of the battery. The location stays the same for the 3.0L V6 Vulcan and 3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engines. Loosen dead insects and other debris by dipping the nylon brush into the soapy water and gently scrubbing the radiator front in the direction of the fins. Rubbing against the direction of the fragile metal fins can cause them to bend.
4Spray a gentle stream of water on the front of the radiator. Avoid turning the water pressure up too high. Too much pressure on the delicate radiator fins results in bending. Repeat this cleansing process every 12,000 miles or according to scheduled maintenance in your owner's manual.
