Coolant leak
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
Coolant leak
Every once in a while, I get a leak out of the front right side of the car. It is right under the radiator, I replaced the radiator when it went and I still have the leak. Funny thing is it only leaks now and again, there does not seem to be a rime or reason, except it only happens when the car is up to temp. And if I have been driving awhile it will leak when I turn the car off and sometimes under hard acceleration.
Any help would be appreciated.
Any help would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Check around the overflow plastic tank, hoses cracks etc. Try running a little water from a hose or bottle around the tank and see if it makes its way to the radiator area. If it does not you can then eliminate it and concentrate on the radiator and hose area. Make sure drain plug is closed tight and is seated properly.
Last edited by pcolt94; Jan 20, 2009 at 08:34 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Although I can't tell you where your leak is coming from, it makes sense if you think about it. Your coolant system is pressurized. If you drive it one mile down the street it won't get terribly hot and it won't get up to operating temperature and pressure. When you do get it up to temp and pressure, then it leaks.
My dad has a 1946 chevrolet pickup truck that leaks like a sieve if you put a pressure cap on it. If you put a non pressure cap on it, it never leaks a drop. Some cars will actually overheat if the wrong cap is installed or if it's not installed tightly so it can pressurize.
BTW the primary reason for the pressurized system is that it can run at a much higher temperature before it boils.
My dad has a 1946 chevrolet pickup truck that leaks like a sieve if you put a pressure cap on it. If you put a non pressure cap on it, it never leaks a drop. Some cars will actually overheat if the wrong cap is installed or if it's not installed tightly so it can pressurize.
BTW the primary reason for the pressurized system is that it can run at a much higher temperature before it boils.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
You can also get a UV reactive dye that you put in the coolant. Drive it around for a while, let it start leaking, and then let it get dark and turn on the blacklight. It'll lead you right back to the leak.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Jasper Texas
Funny thing too...Randy's description of his leak is identical to mine.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Hilarious.....
