1986 Ford Mustang Radiator Repair & Service

Schedule Ford Mustang Radiator Service

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 Mustang today.

Is It Time for Service on My 1986 Ford Mustang Cooling System?

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford Mustang radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, 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.

Regular, proactive service on the radiator in your 1986 Ford Mustang is essential for long-term engine health. In fact, Ford recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. Your radiator could be close to causing an engine breakdown if you notice leaking coolant, overheating, or an illuminated low coolant dashboard light. 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 Mustang

What happens during a radiator repair service? 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 Mustang. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

If your radiator is acting up, odds are good that your water pump needs to be checked for proper function, too. Some services for your 1986 Ford Mustang engine can wait, but the water pump is one part that you can't put off repairing or replacing. 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. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to help make sure everything is in working order. If you’re about to lose your cool over a too-hot engine, rest assured that we’ll take excellent care of your 1986 Ford Mustang at Firestone Complete Auto Care. After all, we know it’s not just a car. It’s your car.

Ford Mustang Radiator Q&A

Wondering how to make your 1986 Ford Mustang 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.
  • 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.
  • When should my Ford Mustang radiator be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford Mustang radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
  • What can cause my Mustang to overheat? Your Ford Mustang engine could overheat due to low coolant, a clogged radiator, a damaged water pump, a malfunctioning cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat.
  • What can cause a Mustang radiator to make boiling or rumbling sounds? There could be air pockets in your Mustang’s cooling system. You might also have a clogged radiator or faulty radiator cap (this last one is an easy fix!).
  • Is it bad to have rust on my Mustang radiator? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Ford Mustang 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.