The 2.0L/1.8L engine in your 1986 Honda Accord depends on the cooling system to keep operating at the required temperature. Rust and mineral buildup inside the radiator will clog passages and create internal and external leaks over time, affecting engine performance and mechanical condition. If left unattended, the engine may overheat, with potential damage to pistons, pins, valves and other internal components. Prevent engine meltdown now by replacing your old radiator at home with a few common tools.
Tools Used: Wrench, Drain pan, Rib-joint pliers, Flare wrench, Clean plastic sheets, Rubber bands, Ratchet, Deep socket set, Antifreeze, Distilled water
Replace the Radiator
Removing the Old Radiator
Open the hood and detach the negative (black) battery cable with a wrench.
Position a drain pan under the radiator, loosen the radiator cap and open the radiator drain valve. Let the coolant drain completely.
Unplug the electrical connectors from any switch or sensor attached to the radiator and the cooling fan motor.
Press the clamp tabs together on the lower and upper radiator hoses and slide the clamps a few inches toward the engine with a pair of rib-joint pliers. Pull the hoses off the fittings and position them out of the way.
Release the two oil cooler lines off the radiator with a flare wrench, if your Accord comes equipped with an automatic transmission. Plug the lines with clean, plastic sheets and rubber bands to prevent contamination of the oil and oil cooler system.
Unfasten the cooling fan from the radiator fan with a ratchet and deep socket and remove the fan, if you need more clearance to remove the radiator from the engine bay.
Unfasten the radiator mounting bolts with the ratchet and deep socket and lift the radiator out of the engine compartment. If you have not done so already, remove the cooling fan from the radiator with the ratchet and deep socket.
Installing the New Radiator
Fasten the cooling fan to the new radiator with the ratchet and deep socket, if you are installing the new unit as a single assembly, and position the new radiator in place inside the engine compartment. Tighten the radiator mounting bolts with the ratchet and socket.
Fasten the cooling fan to the radiator, if you have not done so already, with the ratchet and deep socket.
Fasten the two oil cooler lines to the radiator with the flare wrench, if your Accord comes equipped with an automatic transmission.
Install the lower and upper radiator hoses into the radiator fittings all the way in. Slide the hose clamps toward the end of their hoses to secure them to the fittings with the rib-joint pliers.
Plug the cooling fan motor electrical connector and any other switch on the radiator.
Close the radiator drain valve and fill the new radiator with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Pour the new mixture through the radiator neck with a small funnel and tighten the radiator cap.
Attach the negative (black) battery cable with a wrench and close the hood.
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