How do I Repair a Cadillac Radiator?

A Cadillac radiator functions within the vehicle to keep the engine from overheating by helping it to maintain proper temperatures. It performs that function in three ways: by radiating heat away from the vehicle through fins on its surface; by forcing heat away from the vehicle with the radiator fan; and by pushing a water/coolant mixture through its own tubes, through the cooling system and ultimately through the engine. No matter how well the remainder of the cooling system and the engine may be functioning, if there are blockages, holes or cracks in the radiator or the connecting hoses, the vehicle will eventually be debilitated unless the radiator is repaired.

Instructions

1

Crank the ignition of the Cadillac to get the radiator going. Once the radiator is moving the coolant through the cooling system and the engine, look under the hood for any leaks that may be visible. Some leaks are easy to spot as they will be spewing or weeping heavily from hoses, or from seams and cracks in the radiator. If the leak is not easy to spot, turn the Cadillac off and spray the radiator clean with high pressure air or water. Don't attempt a repair until you discover the source of the leak.

2

Unscrew the bolts on the metal rings holding the radiator hose in place. Remove the rings at both ends and pull the hose with the rip or tear off of the radiator. Brush any debris away from the connectors at both ends before installing a new hose. Connect the new hose, connect the metal rings and tighten the screws to make certain the hose is secure.

3

Open the hood and remove the cap from the radiator after the Cadillac has had time to cool off. Dump a container (bottle or can) of coolant system sealant into the radiator. Fill the radiator to the proper level with water, coolant or a water/coolant mixture and replace the radiator cap. For thirty minutes, drive the car to allow the coolant system sealant to work its way through the system and fill the leak.

4

Turn off the ignition and let the car cool off. Open the radiator plug and allow the coolant to drain from the vehicle. Disconnect the hoses and remove the bolts holding the radiator to the vehicle. Sand the seam or breakage area to prepare it for welding and heat the repair area with an air-free plastic welder. Place the plastic welding rod into the repair area and melt it with the air-free welder until it loses its own color and takes the color of the radiator. Let the welding rod cool and reinstall the radiator.