How to Change the Radiator in a 1992 Saturn in South Carolina

A failing or damaged radiator in a 1992 Saturn causes high temperatures, overheating and radiator overflows. Driving a Saturn with a malfunctioning radiator can cause the engine head to warp, damage other vital engine components and a cause a higher repair bill in the end. A South Carolina backyard mechanic can change a radiator in a few hours with the correct tools. When replacing the radiator, ensure anti-freeze is sealed and not accessible to animals or children.

• 1

  Lift the front of the vehicle with a vehicle jack. Place jack stands under both sides of the 1992 Saturn frame. Lower the South Carolina vehicle onto the jack stands until it is entirely supported.

• 2

  Take off the lower splash shields by extracting the shield from the retaining holes in the frame.

• 3

  Drain the cooling system. Place an engine fluid container under the drain plug near the bottom of the radiator. Remove the drain plug with pliers, draining the fluid into the container. When fluid is done draining, replace the drain plug.

• 4

  Loosen the hose clamp at the end of the air intake duct with a screwdriver and remove the duct from the air filter housing. Pivot the air intake duct, removing it from the top of the radiator.

• 5

  Undo the upper radiator hose clamp with pliers by squeezing the two clamp ends together and pull the hose from the radiator.

• 6

  Loosen the lower radiator hose clamp with pliers in the same manner as the upper radiator hose and pull the hose from the radiator.

• 7

  Withdraw the cooling fan. Disconnect the electrical connection to the cooling fan. Remove the two bolts holding the fan shroud to the radiator support with a ratchet wrench. Pull the assembly up and out of the engine compartment.

• 8

  Disconnect the two automatic transmission fluid cooler lines from the radiator with a wrench on models equipped with automatic transmission.

• 9

  Ratchet and remove the four bolts on the sides of the radiator attaching the radiator to the air conditioning condenser with the ratchet wrench.

• 10

  Tip the top of the radiator slightly toward the engine, remove the upper radiator seal and pull the radiator from the engine compartment.

• 11

  Place the new radiator down into the engine compartment, ensuring the rubber cushions are seated at the base of the radiator. Tip the radiator toward the engine to put the upper radiator seal in place.

• 12

  Install the four bolts on the sides of the radiator attaching the radiator to the air conditioning condenser with a ratchet wrench.

• 13

  Reattach the two automatic transmission fluid cooler lines to the radiator with a wrench on models equipped with automatic transmission.

• 14

  Lower the cooling fan into place and install the two bolts holding the fan assembly to the radiator support with a ratchet wrench. Attach the electrical connection to the cooling fan.

• 15

  Loosen the lower radiator hose clamp by squeezing the hose clamp ears with pliers and push the hose back onto the radiator, releasing the pliers to engage the hose clamp.

• 16

  Repeat the procedure with the upper radiator hose clamp and push the hose back onto the radiator, releasing the pliers to engage the hose clamp.

• 17

  Pivot the air intake duct to it original position, attaching the end to the air filter housing. Tighten the hose clamp at the end of the air intake duct with screwdriver.

• 18

  Fill the radiator with coolant.

• 19

  Replace the lower splash shields by pushing the ends of the shield into the retaining holes in the frame.

• 20

  Support the vehicle with the vehicle jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.

• 21

  Start the engine and check for leaks in the cooling system. After the engine is warmed up and the thermostat opens to accept coolant into the engine, refill the radiator to its optimum level.