A properly working radiator is critical to the health of your 1988 Ford Mustang engine. The radiator helps the engine stay cool by transferring heat from the coolant mixture to the outside air. However, maintenance might not be enough for an old radiator. After years of service, it may leak and cause your engine to overheat. You can prevent major engine damage by following this guide to remove the radiator for repairs or replacement.
Tools Used: Floor jack, 2 jack stands, 2 chocks, Large catch pan, Rib joint pliers, Clean container, Line wrench, Ratchet and socket, Wrench, Distilled water and antifreeze (if necessary)
Install Radiator
Remove the Radiator
Raise the front of your Mustang using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands.
Chock the rear wheels and apply the parking brakes.
Place a clean, large catch pan under the radiator lower hose and remove the radiator cap.
Disconnect the radiator lower hose at the radiator. Remove the clamp using a pair of rib joint pliers. Carefully twist and pull the hose from the radiator fitting to drain the coolant.
Store the coolant in a clean and close container.
Remove the upper and overflow hoses from the radiator using the rib joint pliers.
Disconnect the oil cooler lines from the radiator if your Mustang model is equipped with an automatic transmission. Use a line wrench to prevent damage to the line fittings.
Unscrew the two top radiator support bolts and remove the shroud assembly. If your particular model has side-mounting bolts, remove them using a ratchet and socket.
Unbolt the air-conditioner condenser attached to the radiator if your model is equipped with it. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Remove the radiator top brackets or mounting bolts using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Install the Radiator
Install the oil cooler line fittings and the petcock from the old radiator onto the new unit if you are installing a new radiator and your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission. Follow the instructions that came with your new unit.
Set the radiator in place and start the top brackets or mounting bolts by hand. Do not tighten the bolts yet.
Connect the oil cooler lines, if your Mustang has an automatic transmission. Start the line nuts by hands to avoid damage to the threads. Then tighten the lines using the line wrench.
Tighten the top brackets or mounting bolts using the wrench or ratchet and socket.
Secure the air-conditioner condenser to the radiator if your model is equipped with it. Use the wrench or ratchet and socket.
Install the shroud assembly and tighten the two top support bolts. Install the side mounting bolts, if so equipped, using the ratchet and socket.
Connect the upper, lower and overflow radiator hoses using the rib joint pliers.
Lower the vehicle.
Refill the radiator with coolant through the radiator neck using a small funnel. If necessary, use a new mixture of 50/50 distilled water and antifreeze.
Bleed the cooling system, if necessary, as described in your car owner's manual.
Start the engine and check for leaks.
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