How to Remove the Radiator in a 1989 Honda Civic

In the 1989 Honda Civic, the radiator sits directly behind the front grill in the engine compartment. Two metal transmission cooling lines connect to the bottom of the radiator. Occasionally, the radiator tank will develop a crack or puncture. Exposure to freezing weather can also crack the radiator. A damaged radiator must be removed so it can be repaired or replaced. You can save money by removing the radiator yourself with a few basic hand tools.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your 1989 Honda Civic and disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. This will prevent electrical shock while you are working on the radiator. Place a drain pan on the ground underneath the drain valve on the passenger side of the radiator tank.

2

Take the cap off the top of the radiator and put it aside. Remove the cap from the coolant overflow reservoir on the passenger side of the engine compartment and disconnect the rubber coolant overflow hose from the top of the radiator.

3

Open the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator using a pair of pliers and allow the radiator fluid to drain completely. Disconnect the two metal transmission cooling lines attached to the bottom of the radiator using an open-end wrench and let the fluid drain into the drain pan.

4

Disconnect the screw clamps on the upper and lower radiator hoses with a screwdriver. Slide both hoses off the metal flanges on the back of the radiator. Unfasten the screws holding the cooling fan shroud to the back of the radiator and move the fan shroud back away from the radiator.

5

Detach the bolts that secure the mounting clips on the radiator to the vehicle frame with a socket wrench. Lift the radiator out of the engine compartment.