Radiator Service & Repair for 1987 GMC V3500

Schedule GMC V3500 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 1987 GMC V3500 today.

When to Service Your 1987 GMC V3500 Cooling System

If you’re not sure what the purpose of a radiator is, it’s hard to tell when to have your GMC V3500 radiator serviced. Nonetheless, you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. Your radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps regulate engine temperature. When the radiator isn't working properly, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

Keeping up with regular radiator maintenance in your 1987 GMC V3500 is essential for long-term engine health. In fact, GMC recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s also wise to keep an eye out for signs of a failing radiator. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown if you notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. As soon as you see one of these symptoms, come to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Radiator Repair Service for Your GMC V3500

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 GMC V3500. 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.

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 1987 GMC V3500 engine can wait, but the water pump is one part that you'll want to have repaired or replaced as soon as you discover a problem with it. This pump ensures that coolant is always flowing through the radiator, hoses, and engine. 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. From the heater core to the radiator cap, we’ll take excellent care of your 1987 GMC V3500 at Firestone Complete Auto Care. We stand behind our work with our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Questions About GMC V3500 Radiators

With regular maintenance and service as needed, you could extend the life of your 1987 GMC V3500 radiator. Get answers to common radiator questions, and head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care as soon as you suspect a radiator issue.

  • What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my GMC? Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.
  • Can an antifreeze leak wait? 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.
  • Do GMC V3500 radiators need to 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 GMC V3500 in for routine maintenance or service, it could be a good idea to opt for a radiator cleaning, too.
  • Why is my V3500 overheating? One of the main reasons your GMC V3500 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.
  • Why does the radiator in my V3500 sound like it’s rumbling or boiling? Air pockets in your V3500’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.
  • Should I be concerned about rust in my V3500 radiator? Yes. If you have rust in your GMC V3500 radiator, it could cause leaks, negatively impact cooling efficiency, and eventually lead to radiator failure. Left unaddressed, radiator rust can erode the cooling passages, creating cracks or small holes. Properly maintaining your radiator system can help stop it from rusting.