Radiator leak
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,525
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota, FL
Radiator leak
I seem to have developed what is apparently an intermittent radiator leak. I sometimes get a small puddle of coolant under the radiator on the passenger side. I was out for a drive the other day and it was about 17*F, I sat idling for about 15 mins and noticed a small stream of steam coming from the front right headlight area. I opened the hood and saw that steam seemed to be coming from the lower radiator hose/radiator junction. I felt the hose and it was dry, I then felt where the trans cooler line enters the radiator and it was wet with coolant. I haven't crawled under the car yet to see exactly where this leak is, but I was wondering if anyone here had experienced a similar problem. If it is a leak, would I be better served to repair the leak, or buy a bigger Griffin or other high quality aftermarket radiator? Thanks
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
Re: Radiator leak (BobMachus)
BobM,
I had similar symptoms over a 3 day span, I had just put on a new radiator cap, and started noticing steam from the front right (passenger side of the car), No puddle underneath right away, but when driving home one evening low coolant light came on. Popped the hood up right away when I got home and noticed a very fine stream of coolant spraying out of the top front right side of the radiator. Right in front of the small hose "T" that takes coolant to the throttle body. After further inspection (removing shroud) there was about a 1.5 inch crack. I think I read another thread saying others had experienced this with the GM radiator. I replaced it with a stock radiator along with the main hoses.
I had similar symptoms over a 3 day span, I had just put on a new radiator cap, and started noticing steam from the front right (passenger side of the car), No puddle underneath right away, but when driving home one evening low coolant light came on. Popped the hood up right away when I got home and noticed a very fine stream of coolant spraying out of the top front right side of the radiator. Right in front of the small hose "T" that takes coolant to the throttle body. After further inspection (removing shroud) there was about a 1.5 inch crack. I think I read another thread saying others had experienced this with the GM radiator. I replaced it with a stock radiator along with the main hoses.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Radiator leak (BobMachus)
If the radiator is cracked, I would not want to depend on a repaired radiator. It might get you by the in the meantime, but a high capacity radiator will make a big difference anyway come summertime.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 0
From: VA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Radiator leak (tdock)
That's where it normally cracks on these vette rad's.
My 1996 did the same for a long time. One day i let the engine get to operating temp. Open hood, stand at front passenger wheel. Rev the engine up high, using your hand turn the throttle. As you do this look at the right front high part of the rad. Saw mine squirting antifreeze like a fire hose. Applying little throttle did not cause the fluid the come at much at all.
:cheers:
My 1996 did the same for a long time. One day i let the engine get to operating temp. Open hood, stand at front passenger wheel. Rev the engine up high, using your hand turn the throttle. As you do this look at the right front high part of the rad. Saw mine squirting antifreeze like a fire hose. Applying little throttle did not cause the fluid the come at much at all.
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
Re: Radiator leak (BobMachus)
That's basically where mine leaked also (right next to the lower rad hose flange in the tank). Those plastic tanks are garbage! I opted for a new Griffin rad -- no comparison in quality!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: Radiator leak (BobMachus)
I had the same problem, and after removing the radiator, I found that it was the drain ****. It loosened up and allowed small amounts of fluid to escape. A new one from AutoZone cost $2.95 and it works great. BTW, there is a great post in the tech tips section on R&R the radiator. :cheers:
