Radiator leak, help?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 2
Radiator leak, help?
I flushed the radiator fluid on my 88 and changed the hoses, thermostat, serpentine belt and cleaned up the throttle body and mass air flow sensor. So I finally get it put back together and the darn thing is leaking radiator fluid. It looks like It is coming from the lower radiator hose. Did I tighten it to tight? Or did I clamp it down in the wrong spot? What do you think that I did wrong? Thanks in advance to the best forum ever.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 1
From: New York
I think whatever you did youll have no problem correcting. Sounds like you did not get the hose on right or didnt tighten up enough on the clamp. Are you using the same old clamp? You might need a new one
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Did you do a flush through the radiator also?
It's not surprising for old radiators to now leak after you flush them out. Specially if you saw a bunch of crap coming out the other end which is what helped keep it sealed. I've seen this first hand.
You only need the radiator hose clamp tight to where you cannot spin the hose on the neck by hand. Overtighening (if using worm screw style clamps) only risks cracking the radiator neck which is usually plastic and makes the clamp dig into the hose.
I don't like using those tension style clamps that self tighten. I've had them cause leaks because they didn't supply enough tension on radiator hoses.
It's not surprising for old radiators to now leak after you flush them out. Specially if you saw a bunch of crap coming out the other end which is what helped keep it sealed. I've seen this first hand.
You only need the radiator hose clamp tight to where you cannot spin the hose on the neck by hand. Overtighening (if using worm screw style clamps) only risks cracking the radiator neck which is usually plastic and makes the clamp dig into the hose.
I don't like using those tension style clamps that self tighten. I've had them cause leaks because they didn't supply enough tension on radiator hoses.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 207
From: Orlando FL
If you only flushed the radiator out with a garden hose I doubt if you caused any damage to the radiator. I would first try to pinpoint the leak and see if it is from a hose connection which it probably is.
You might have to remove the hose and do a close inspection for any cracks, deformity or any damage to the hose connection. It has to be round to seal correctly and over tightening might have distorted it. Once it all looks again, assemble, add some coolant and see if you got it right.
You might have to remove the hose and do a close inspection for any cracks, deformity or any damage to the hose connection. It has to be round to seal correctly and over tightening might have distorted it. Once it all looks again, assemble, add some coolant and see if you got it right.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,701
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
If you're using the old hose and the original ring clamp, it will leak more often than not. Use a new hose and a screw clamp and you'll be good to go. Make sure you clean any crud off the radiator fitting.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 207
From: Orlando FL
And probably your wallet to.
That’s why torque wrenches, specs and common sense are used.
Some of that comes from age and experience and none of that are in books.
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