How to Replace a Radiator in a Honda Prelude

The purpose of your car's radiator is to regulate the temperature of the water that cycles through, keeping your engine from overheating. It's essential that you keep your car radiator in good condition, but radiators are easily punctured, or can wear out over time. If you have a bit of mechanical know-how, you can save money by replacing the radiator in your Honda Prelude. The process is essentially the same for any year or model.

Instructions

1

Unscrew the radiator drain plug and drain the fluid into a container with a tightly fitting lid. Remove the lower and upper radiator hoses, and if they look worn or show cracks or bulges, replace them. If your Prelude has an automatic transaxle, place another container under the automatic transmission cooling line.

2

Look carefully at the radiator hoses, and if they look worn out, they should be replaced. Disconnect the radiator fittings and drain the lines and plug them.

3

Unhook the radiator cooling fan electrical connectors and remove the support brackets and cushion assemblies from the upper radiator. Lift the radiator up out of the vehicle. Disconnect the cooling fan fasteners.

4

Position the new radiator. Reconnect the cooling fan fasteners and attach the support brackets and cushion assemblies. Reconnect the electrical connectors to the fan, along with the radiator fittings.

5

Set the heater to "Full Hot" and fill the system with a mixture of half coolant and half water, bleeding the air from the system and squeezing the hoses to release trapped air, if necessary.

6

Attach the radiator cap loosely, and start the engine long enough for the cooling fan to run twice. Turn off the engine and top off the cooling system with more water and coolant, if necessary.

7

Tighten the radiator cap. Restart the car and check for leaks.