Radiator Service & Repair for 1986 Ford F-350

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Ford F-350 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 1986 Ford F-350 today.

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When to Service Your 1986 Ford F-350 Cooling System

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford F-350 radiator serviced, but it's still extremely important. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. 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.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1986 Ford F-350 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 it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. Your radiator could be close to causing an engine breakdown if you notice leaking coolant, overheating, or an illuminated low coolant dashboard light. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Radiator Repair Service for Your Ford F-350

What does radiator repair include? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Ford F-350 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 F-350 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. Without it, your engine won't maintain its optimal temperature. Let our technicians examine your radiator pumps and hoses to help you stay ahead of any potential engine problems. From the heater core to the radiator cap, we’ll take excellent care of your 1986 Ford F-350 at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Ford F-350 Radiator Q&A

Take care of your 1986 Ford F-350 radiator and it will last. Check out our top questions and answers about Ford radiators below, and visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care at the first sign of an overheating engine.

  • What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford? 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.
  • Is an antifreeze leak dangerous? It's better to get it fixed sooner than later. Antifreeze is toxic if consumed, but its smell can attract cats and dogs. Keep your whole family safe by repairing antifreeze leaks ASAP and thoroughly hosing down your parking spot to get rid of any lingering residue on the ground.
  • Can Ford F-350 radiators be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford F-350 radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
  • My F-350 overheated! What can cause that? One of the main reasons your Ford F-350 engine might overheat is because you don’t have enough coolant. Other causes include a clogged radiator, a damaged cooling fan, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty water pump.
  • What is making my F-350 radiator sound like it’s boiling or rumbling? Your F-350’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!
  • Is rust in my F-350 radiator bad? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Ford F-350 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.