1986 Ford Bronco Radiator Repair & Service

Service Your Ford Bronco Radiator

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1986 Ford Bronco radiator repair or service today.

When Does My 1986 Ford Bronco Radiator Need Service?

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford Bronco radiator serviced, but it's still extremely important. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1986 Ford Bronco is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. Ford recommends that you replace coolant (also called antifreeze) at certain intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. You might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check at the first sign of one of these issues.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Ford Bronco

What happens during a radiator repair service? If you bring your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start with a comprehensive inspection of your Ford Bronco’s cooling system. We’ll do a machine-powered coolant exchange on the system, and then we’ll top off or replace the fluids that were removed (like chemicals, lubricants, and sealants). Lastly, we’ll perform a pressure check to look for leaks.

Issues with your radiator often coincide with a malfunctioning water pump. Of all the parts in your 1986 Ford Bronco engine, the water pump is one that needs to be addressed ASAP once an issue is identified. 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 ensure everything is operating as it should. From the radiator cap to the heater core, we’re here to give your 1986 Ford Bronco the top-notch service it needs. We stand behind our work with our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Ford Bronco Radiator Q&A

Wondering how to make your 1986 Ford Bronco 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 an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford? If the coolant light illuminates on your dashboard, your engine could be overheating. Pull over to a safe area and wait for the engine to cool down. Then, head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a coolant system check.
  • 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 Ford Bronco radiators be cleaned? To keep your Ford Bronco radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
  • What is causing my Bronco to overheat? If your Ford Bronco engine overheats, it could be because of a clogged radiator, a damaged thermostat, a faulty cooling fan, a malfunctioning water pump, or low coolant levels.
  • What is making my Bronco radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? Your Bronco’s cooling system could contain air pockets or your radiator might be clogged. Another possibility is a faulty radiator cap, which is an easy fix!
  • There’s rust in my Bronco radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. Having rust in your Ford Bronco radiator can cause leaks, a reduction in cooling efficiency, and even radiator failure. If rust is left untreated, it can corrode the radiator's cooling passages, causing small cracks or holes that can significantly impact the radiator's ability to function. To help prevent rust from becoming a major issue, it's important to properly maintain your radiator system.