Radiator Repair

    Your radiator plays a crucial role in your engine, so if the tempature is running hot or you know you are loosing radiator fluid don't hesitate, bring your car into Taggart & Sons Automotive. We recommend that motorists have a seven-point preventative cooling system maintenance check at least once every two years. The seven-point program is designed to identify any areas that need attention. It consists of:

• a radiator pressure cap test to check for the recommended system pressure level
• a thermostat check for proper opening and closing
• a pressure test to identify any external leaks to the cooling system parts; including the radiator, water pump, engine coolant passages, radiator and heater hoses and heater core
• an internal leak test to check for combustion gas leakage into the cooling system
• a visual inspection of all cooling system components, including belts and hoses
• a system power flush and refill with car manufacturer's recommended concentration of coolant
• an engine fan test for proper operation

5 Most common radiator service procedures

Flush and repair. The radiator is removed from the vehicle, cleaned externally using a powerful spray gun and flushed internally. It is then pressure tested, inspected and repaired as needed.

Clean and repair. In this procedure the radiator is removed from the vehicle, cleaned externally and flushed internally by immersion in a specially formulated industrial-strength cleaner. It is then flushed a second time, pressure tested, inspected and repaired as needed.

Rod-out and repair. The radiator is removed, cleaned externally and flushed internally by immersion. It is then pressure tested, inspected and repaired as needed. One tank is removed and a rod is inserted into each tube to remove debris. Once complete, the radiator is reassembled and tested.

Newcore or recore. This technique brings a radiator up to or as close as possible to its original operating condition by using restored existing parts in combination with new, rebuilt or unimpaired parts. It always requires the installation of a new core.

Plastic radiator tank and gasket replacements. In this procedure the radiator is removed from the vehicle and placed in a special fixture to detach the damaged tank and/or gasket. The tank and/or gasket is replaced with a readily available new or restored part. Afterward, the radiator is reassembled and tested.