GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Radiator Maintenance

Check the radiator for bent fins or signs of leakage. Repair or replace leaking radiator cores. Do not seal temporarily with a sealer type antifreeze or coolant additive. Remove any stones from between the fins. Clean loose debris from the radiator core. To maintain efficient heat dissipation, an occasional external flushing with water removes the majority of the dirt accumulation. Direct a stream of moderate water pressure from behind the radiator core to force debris out in the opposite direction of entry. Direct the water stream in line with the fins to reduce the possibility of bending the fins. Clean the road film from the radiator core with a quality grease solvent. Blow the solvent with compressed air from the rear to the front of the radiator core for more efficient cleaning. To ensure a thorough cleaning remove the grille and the fan shroud.

Inspection Procedure

  1. Remove the radiator cap.
  2. Look for plugged tubes. Look for scale on the inside of the tank.
  3. Test the radiator as described in Radiator Diagnosis .
  4. Replace a badly plugged radiator.
  5. Check the coolant level. If it is low, add the recommended coolant and concentration. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  6. Check the condition of the hoses.
  7. • Tighten, or replace the hose clamps where leakage is evident.
    • Replace cracked, stripped or corroded clamps.
    • Check the hoses for a spongy or cracked appearance.
    • Replace the deteriorated hoses. Refer to Radiator Hose Replacement .
  8. Check the radiator core for leaks.
  9. Check for dirt obstructing the air passages which reduces the transfer of heat.
  10. Check the coolant recovery tank for leaks.
  11. Inspect the radiator mounting.
  12. • Check the rubber bumpers.
    • Check that the radiator mounting bolts are secure.
    • Check the radiator supports.
    • Check the braces.
    • Check the tie rods.
    • Check the stabilizer rods.
    • Check the radiator core side flanges.
  13. Inspect the following aspects of the cooling fan:
  14. • The fan blade-to-radiator core clearances
    • The fan blade-to-fan shroud clearances
    • That the fan attaching bolts are all in place
    • The fan attaching bolts for proper torque
  15. If a blade is bent, replace the fan. The distance to the shroud from the fan blade should be equal around the entire perimeter of the shroud.
  16. If you made any adjustments to the fan assembly, correct the placement of the mounting bracket, or the coolant pump hub, as necessary.
  17. Inspect the radiator filler cap:
  18. • Check the seal for cracks.
    • Check the seal for signs of separation.