Over time radiators rust internally due to acidic and corrosive coolant that has remained in the cooling system for longer than it should have. When the radiator rusts, it could cause a leak, rendering the radiator useless. When driving, rocks can hit the radiator, puncturing it and also causing a leak. There are many products on the market designed to fix radiator leaks, but none of them works well. To fix a leaky radiator, the best option is to replace it. To replace your Ford Windstar radiator, follow the steps below.
Step 1 - Allow the engine to cool down to avoid getting burned by the coolant.
Step 2 - Place a drain pan underneath the radiator and open the drain plug. Allow the coolant to drain from the radiator.
Step 3 - Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses by loosening the hose clamps with a flat head screwdriver. Then pull the hoses off the radiator.
Step 4 - Disconnect the radiator fan connectors and place them to the side.
Step 5 - Remove the radiator fans from the radiator with a ratchet. There are two fans, and each one is held on by four bolts.
Step 6 - Remove the radiator with a ratchet. There are four bolts holding the radiator to the radiator core. Pull the radiator out of the engine compartment and replace with the new radiator.
Step 7 - Tighten the bolts for the new radiator with a ratchet.
Step 8 - Reinstall the radiator fans with a ratchet and reconnect the electrical connectors.
Step 9 - Reconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses to the new radiator and tighten the hose clamps with a flat head screwdriver.
Fill the radiator with coolant.
TIPS: The radiator hoses can be very difficult to remove. To aid in removal, place a screwdriver between the radiator hose and the radiator and pry gently all around the perimeter of the hose. Twist the hose left and right and then pull back.
THINGS YOU'LL NEED: New radiator, Coolant, Ratchet, Sockets, Flat head screwdriver, Drain pan
WARNINGS: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from injury.
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