Car radiators are used to cool your vehicle's engine while it is in use. A sweet smell filling your car is one of the first warning signs that your radiator is leaking. If you suspect your radiator is not working, open the car hood and look for a green colored liquid on the engine and other areas. For vehicle owners who find a leaking plastic radiator under the hood, it is time to purchase a replacement one. Plastic radiators can be patched, but cannot be completely repaired.
Instructions
- 1
Turn off your car, allow it to cool completely and wash down the area under the hood. You can use a garden hose to remove excess coolant from the engine and other car parts. Allow the parts to dry before you begin the radiator replacement project.
2Find the fan assembly, which is generally behind the radiator, and remove it for easier access to the radiator.
3Drain the remaining coolant in the radiator and collect it in a pan under the car. This old coolant should be disposed of properly by giving it to a car maintenance shop or local recycling center. Incorrect disposal of coolant--i.e., flushing it down the toilet or dumping it in your yard--introduces hazardous materials into the environment. If you are unsure how to dispose of the coolant, contact your local recycling center.
4Remove the oil cooler or engine oil cooler that could be around the radiator. These coolers can be removed by undoing attached hose clippings and fittings. Cap the hoses after the coolers are removed to reduce the chance that foreign materials will enter the hoses and cause engine problems.
5Remove the fan shroud pieces that may be around your radiator. Be careful not to bend the fan blades or lose any of the radiator cushions around the fan.
6Remove the radiator by pulling it up and out of the car. Open the new radiator, set it next to the old one and compare them make sure you have the correct new radiator.
7Drop the new radiator into place and reinstall the hoses, clamps and cooler fittings that were previously removed. Reinstall the oil cooler, fan assembly and fan shroud as well.
8Refill the radiator with coolant. Switch between one gallon of water and one gallon of coolant until the radiator is full. Turn the engine on and take the car for a short test drive to make sure everything is reconnected correctly.
