How to Replace a Radiator in a Cadillac

Iskandar Blogger 3:36 PM

The radiator of your Cadillac is responsible for sending coolant through the engine and keeping the engine cool. Occasionally, the radiator can become clogged or damaged to the point that it needs to be replaced. Replacing the radiator is a job that you can do in about 2 to 3 hours. Save yourself time and money by removing and replacing the radiator on your own.

Instructions

Remove the Radiator

    1

    Place a drain pan on the ground under the drain valve of the Cadillac's radiator. The drain valve is on the bottom passenger side of the radiator.

    2

    Remove the cap from the radiator and detach the rubber overflow hose from the top of the radiator. Remove the cap from the coolant overflow reservoir on the passenger side of the engine compartment.

    3

    Open the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator with a pair of pliers and let the radiator empty completely. Unfasten the screw clamps on the radiator hoses at the top and bottom of the tank with a screwdriver.

    4

    Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses from the radiator by hand. Unfasten the screws on the cooling fan shroud from the radiator with a screwdriver.

    5

    Detach the radiator mounting bolts from the vehicle frame at the top of the radiator with a socket wrench. Lift the radiator out of the engine compartment and set it out of the way.

Replace the Radiator

    6

    Place the new radiator inside the Cadillac engine compartment behind the front grill and secure the mounting brackets with bolts to the vehicle frame. Attach the cooling fan shroud to the radiator with screws.

    7

    Connect the upper and lower radiator hoses to the metal flanges on the radiator and secure the hoses with screw clamps. Attach the rubber overflow hose to the top of the radiator and place the cap on the top of the coolant overflow reservoir.

    8

    Verify that the drain valve on the bottom of the new radiator is closed and fill the radiator with a mixture of half water and half coolant. Secure the radiator cap to the top of the radiator.

    9

    Dispose of the drained coolant in the drain pan at your local recycling center or automotive supply center.