Radiator Fluid Leak
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Radiator Fluid Leak
My 89 vette (L98) is leaking a small amount (overnight = 4 inch circle) of radiator fluid on the drivers side.....Thoughts on if this is just a hose leakage issue or something much, much larger.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, Tn. 37211 TN.
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (csc67)
Could be anything. Check hose condition. There are no hoses on the drivers side of my '85 except the upper hadiator hose. It could be that much larger problem (gasket) that you refered to.
Where is the puddle in relation to the engine when it is parked? :cry
Where is the puddle in relation to the engine when it is parked? :cry
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Pflugerville TX
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (csc67)
I had an 86 coup that had a leak that I at first though was the top hose. I first removed the hose and was going to clean up the surfaces and replace but it turned out to be a small crack where the nozzle or pipe that the hose goes over was welded or whatever to the tank. Fortunately, replacing the radiator was very easy and not too many $$$. Good luck.
Dennis
GS-598 :cheers:
Dennis
GS-598 :cheers:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (Camvette)
The small leak is in the front middle of the car & creates a 5 inch circle when parked during work...The low coolant light also can on during the ride home from work
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (csc67)
Mine went from a little drip to a big ol splash in pretty short order. :eek: Turned out to be the plastic side tank had cracked. Cost 80 bucks to have a new tank installed, which I was happy with till I found I could have had a brand new rad for $150. :bb
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 3
From: Lafayette IN
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (csc67)
Front of the middle of the engine...sounds like the short, 7 inch U-shaped heater hose right above the timing chain cover. Look under the throttle body. It could also be the heater hose to the side of the throttle body, but that usually pools up on the intake manifold. -Matt-
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (HighHopes85)
If it is that little hose, (mine leaked also) bypass that little sucker and the throttle body too. The top heater core hose (a longer one) should go straight into the front of the intake manifold coolant fitting. BTW, welcome to the forum...a pretty damn cool place! Anyway, if I can be of help w/ your 89, just give a holler! :cheers:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (89 Paul in cal)
There is a slight smell of radiator fluid when I turn the car off...Not sure if that is a good sign or bad ????? I will take the suggestions into consideration and check hoses & side tanks
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (csc67)
Fluid smell inside could be another ball game. A note on the side tank, I could not see the crack in it. When I took the rad to a shop and they pressurized it is when it showed up.
Sam
Sam
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Radiator Fluid Leak (87SAM)
I decided to take a closer look today since the weather was nice (70+ in NY) and found a small pool of radiator fluid on the engine block (top drivers side) by the exhaust (headers) area. Not a mechanic by trade (or at all) the radiator collection area is 4 inches right of the corvette emblem on the bronze colored cover...Thoughts
