What does the coolant light on my Chevrolet dashboard mean?

Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Is an antifreeze leak dangerous?

Don’t ignore puddles on your driveway or garage floor. If you see a green, bright orange, or pink fluid puddling under your car (it might be sticky, too), it could be antifreeze that’s leaking out of the engine. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to cats and dogs (and it’s highly toxic to them), so look out for your pets! Repair any leaks as soon as possible, then carefully wash away any remaining fluid that’s left behind on the driveway or garage floor.

Can Chevrolet El Camino radiators be cleaned?

Cleaning your car shouldn’t be limited to the parts you can see. Regular cleaning is good for your radiator, too! When you take your Chevrolet El Camino in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.

What is causing my El Camino to overheat?

Low coolant, a damaged cooling fan, a faulty water pump, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator could all cause your Chevrolet El Camino engine to overheat.

Why does the radiator in my El Camino sound like it’s rumbling or boiling?

If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your El Camino. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.

Is it bad to have rust on my El Camino radiator?

Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Chevrolet El Camino can impair its cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even result in complete failure of the radiator. Over time, rust can eat away at the radiator's cooling passages, forming tiny holes or cracks that can affect its operation. To help prevent rust from causing damage, you should stay on top of radiator maintenance.

1986 Chevrolet El Camino Radiator Repair & Service

Get Started

Service Your Chevrolet El Camino Radiator

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino today.

Schedule an Appointment

When Does My 1986 Chevrolet El Camino Radiator Need Service?

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Chevrolet El Camino radiator serviced, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. Your radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps regulate engine temperature. So, what happens when the radiator isn’t working quite like it should? You guessed it – your engine overheats, and it may even break down completely.

Staying on top of routine radiator maintenance for your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. To keep your radiator functioning, Chevrolet recommends replacing your antifreeze or coolant at scheduled intervals but it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown if you notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Chevrolet El Camino Coolant Fluid Exchange

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Chevrolet El Camino cooling system. Then, we’ll move on to a machine-powered coolant exchange. Finally, we’ll refill the flushed sealants, lubricants and chemicals, then do a pressure check to catch any possible leaks.

Radiator problems often go hand in hand with water pump problems. Some services for your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino engine can wait, but the water pump is one part that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. This pump ensures that coolant is always flowing through the radiator, hoses, and engine. If it’s not working well (or at all), your engine can easily overheat. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to help make sure everything is in working order. When it comes to radiator service and repair, we’re here to give your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino the top-notch service it needs. We stand behind our work with our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common Chevrolet El Camino Radiator Questions

Wondering how to make your 1986 Chevrolet El Camino radiator last as long as possible? Read on for answers to common questions, and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care when your engine shows any signs of a faulty radiator.

What does the coolant light on my Chevrolet dashboard mean? Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Is an antifreeze leak dangerous? Don’t ignore puddles on your driveway or garage floor. If you see a green, bright orange, or pink fluid puddling under your car (it might be sticky, too), it could be antifreeze that’s leaking out of the engine. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to cats and dogs (and it’s highly toxic to them), so look out for your pets! Repair any leaks as soon as possible, then carefully wash away any remaining fluid that’s left behind on the driveway or garage floor.
Can Chevrolet El Camino radiators be cleaned? Cleaning your car shouldn’t be limited to the parts you can see. Regular cleaning is good for your radiator, too! When you take your Chevrolet El Camino in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
What is causing my El Camino to overheat? Low coolant, a damaged cooling fan, a faulty water pump, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator could all cause your Chevrolet El Camino engine to overheat.
Why does the radiator in my El Camino sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your El Camino. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.
Is it bad to have rust on my El Camino radiator? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Chevrolet El Camino can impair its cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even result in complete failure of the radiator. Over time, rust can eat away at the radiator's cooling passages, forming tiny holes or cracks that can affect its operation. To help prevent rust from causing damage, you should stay on top of radiator maintenance.