Radiator Service & Repair for 1986 Ford Thunderbird

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Schedule Ford Thunderbird Radiator Service

Are rising engine temperatures causing rising stress levels for you? Cool it! Schedule your 1986 Ford Thunderbird radiator service or repair today.

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When Does My 1986 Ford Thunderbird Radiator Need Service?

Not sure what a radiator does? That makes it difficult to know when to have your Ford Thunderbird radiator serviced, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. The radiator is in the cooling system of your car, and it helps your engine temperature stay within a safe range. 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 Thunderbird is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. In fact, Ford recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but you can also take note of any signs your radiator is going bad. 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.

Ford Thunderbird Coolant Fluid Exchange

What does radiator repair include? If you bring your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start with a comprehensive inspection of your Ford Thunderbird’s cooling system. 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. The water pump is one part on your 1986 Ford Thunderbird engine 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 you stay ahead of any potential engine problems. When it comes to radiator service and repair, we’ll take excellent care of your 1986 Ford Thunderbird at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Ford Thunderbird Radiator Q&A

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1986 Ford Thunderbird radiator. Get answers to common radiator questions, and head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as you suspect a radiator issue.

  • Why is the coolant light on my Ford dashboard on? 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? Notice a leaking fluid that's green, bright orange, or pink and feels sticky? It might be antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic but has a sweet smell and taste that's attractive to many cats and dogs. Do your pets a favor and have an antifreeze leak investigated ASAP. Then hose down the driveway or garage floor!
  • Can Ford Thunderbird radiators be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford Thunderbird radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
  • What is causing my Thunderbird to overheat? If your Ford Thunderbird 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 can cause a Thunderbird radiator to make boiling or rumbling sounds? There could be air pockets in your Thunderbird’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 Thunderbird radiator? Yes. Having rust in your Ford Thunderbird 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.