Radiator Service & Repair for 1987 Ford F-150

Ford F-150 Radiator Services

Don’t let the heat of the moment – or of your engine – get to your head. Schedule a radiator repair or service for your 1987 Ford F-150 today.

When Does My 1987 Ford F-150 Radiator Need Service?

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford F-150 radiator serviced, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. 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 1987 Ford F-150 is crucial to keep your engine in the best possible shape for years to come. To keep your radiator functioning, Ford recommends replacing your antifreeze or coolant at scheduled intervals but you can also take note of any signs your radiator is going bad. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. As soon as you see one of these symptoms, come to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

What to Expect from Ford F-150 Radiator Repair

What does radiator repair include? When you come to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we’ll begin your radiator repair with an in-depth inspection of the cooling system in your Ford F-150. 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. The water pump is one part on your 1987 Ford F-150 engine that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. The role of the water pump is to keep coolant circulating in your engine, radiator, and hoses. If it isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Let our technicians examine your radiator pumps and hoses to ensure everything is operating as it should. If you’re about to lose your cool over a too-hot engine, rest assured that we’re here to give your 1987 Ford F-150 the top-notch service it needs. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common Ford F-150 Radiator Questions

Wondering how to make your 1987 Ford F-150 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 Ford dashboard mean? Your engine might be about to overheat. If your low coolant light is on, pull over in a safe area and wait for your engine temperature to go down. Once it’s safe to do so, bring your car to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to have the coolant system inspected.
  • What are the puddles in my driveway or garage floor? 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 F-150 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 Ford F-150 in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
  • What is causing my F-150 to overheat? Low coolant, a damaged cooling fan, a faulty water pump, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a clogged radiator could all cause your Ford F-150 engine to overheat.
  • What is making my F-150 radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? Air pockets in your F-150’s cooling system may cause a rumbling or boiling noise. You could also have a clogged radiator or simply need to replace the radiator cap.
  • Is rust in my F-150 radiator bad? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Ford F-150 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.