How to Install a 66 Mustang Radiator

Whether equipped with a six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine, the 1966 Mustang has either a two or three row metal core radiator. Unlike today's plastic fin radiators, these radiators are subject to corrosion, which prevents the antifreeze from circulating throughout the radiator. Higher engine temperatures are the most common symptom of a corroded radiator. Fortunately, replacing the old radiator with a new unit is fairly simple.

Instructions

Removing the Old Radiator

1

Drain the radiator by removing the petcock plug on the bottom of the radiator with a wrench.

2

Loosen the single band clamp that secures each radiator hose to the radiator with a screwdriver, then pull both hoses off of the radiator.

3

Disconnect the two oil cooler lines from the bottom of the radiator if the Mustang is equipped with an automatic transmission. Each line features an integral nut at its tip. Loosen the two nuts with a wrench, then pull the lines away from the radiator.

4

Remove the fan shroud's retaining screws from the engine-side of the radiator with a screwdriver, then lift the shroud out of the engine compartment.

5

Remove the retaining bolt from each corner of the radiator with a wrench, then lift the radiator out of the engine bay.

6

Unscrew the two oil cooler line fittings from the bottom of the old radiator with a wrench.

Installing the New Radiator

7

Wrap the threads of the petcock plug and the two oil cooler line fittings with plumber's tape.

8

Tighten the petcock plug and the two oil cooler line fittings into the radiator with a wrench.

9

Lower the radiator into position inside the engine compartment, then install and tighten each of the radiator's four securing bolts with a wrench.

10

Tighten the two oil cooler lines onto the fittings at the base of the radiator with a wrench.

11

Position the fan shroud against the engine-side of the radiator, then tighten the shroud's retaining screws with a screwdriver.

12

Press the two radiator hoses onto the radiator, then tighten the band clamps with a screwdriver.

13

Pour a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water into the radiator until full.

14

Turn the engine on and allow it to warm, as indicated by the temperature gauge.

15

Wait for the radiator fluid level to drop by watching the fluid level through the radiator cap opening, then pour the 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water into the radiator until full and install the radiator cap.