Radiator Leak
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 246
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cali
Radiator Leak
So I've noticed that my 02 Auto Vette is leaking antifreeze. At first I noticed a couple of drops and over time, I've noticed a decrease in the radiator container. So my question is, what can I do to fix it? I'm thinking of using Bar's Stop Leak. Anyone have any experience with this product?
P.S. Very small drop, so no giant leak, but decreased levels over maybe 6 month period.
Was able to take some pics. These are from the front passenger side close to the wheel below the antifreeze tank
P.S. Very small drop, so no giant leak, but decreased levels over maybe 6 month period.
Was able to take some pics. These are from the front passenger side close to the wheel below the antifreeze tank
Last edited by 02GoldVette; Mar 27, 2016 at 10:43 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
I had a small leak in a car many years ago. I tried this product; it didn't fix the leak but it did plug something else up in the cooling system (can't recall exactly, long time ago).
I'm a much better mechanic now, and the more capable I become, the less I can fathom the idea of using quick fixes.
I'm a much better mechanic now, and the more capable I become, the less I can fathom the idea of using quick fixes.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
Radiators and hoses are fairly inexpensive if you shop around. Stop leak can lead to bigger problems down the road (as the former poster said). It could clog sensors.
When these quick fixes fail, it tends to happen in the worst possible places and times costing even more money.
When these quick fixes fail, it tends to happen in the worst possible places and times costing even more money.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
You first need to isolate where the leak is. My first thought is water pump and second would be radiator.
Agree with other posters on the stop leak, unless you are looking for bigger problems.
Agree with other posters on the stop leak, unless you are looking for bigger problems.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Find the leak, it may be a simple fix not requiring a shop. If its a tank or hose it is pretty easy. Water pump is easy as well, but if you don't typically work on the car might be best left to a shop. Most of the time it is something simple that is the cause.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 246
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cali
Considering that if it were to be a hose replacement, where would you recommend getting a new hose from?
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
I got a top hose from pep boys, because it was Sunday, or I would have gone to the dealer.
I was surprised they had one in stock. i think the hose was clamped off when I had the radiator replaced, and it tore the hose. Hecho in Mexico for the pep boys hose.
I mention it because my radiator failed up on top , the plastic section there often fails, but not as often as the overflow tank hose nipples. A couple of common places to look.
I was surprised they had one in stock. i think the hose was clamped off when I had the radiator replaced, and it tore the hose. Hecho in Mexico for the pep boys hose.
I mention it because my radiator failed up on top , the plastic section there often fails, but not as often as the overflow tank hose nipples. A couple of common places to look.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
I got a top hose from pep boys, because it was Sunday, or I would have gone to the dealer.
I was surprised they had one in stock. i think the hose was clamped off when I had the radiator replaced, and it tore the hose. Hecho in Mexico for the pep boys hose.
I mention it because my radiator failed up on top , the plastic section there often fails, but not as often as the overflow tank hose nipples. A couple of common places to look.
I was surprised they had one in stock. i think the hose was clamped off when I had the radiator replaced, and it tore the hose. Hecho in Mexico for the pep boys hose.
I mention it because my radiator failed up on top , the plastic section there often fails, but not as often as the overflow tank hose nipples. A couple of common places to look.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
^I agree. I buy affordable ones and replace them when they are old.
The rot occurs on the inside where you cant see. The old ones can be rotten on the inside and look new on the outside. You can probably get both rad hoses for less than $35. There are two heater hoses that stream coolant as well. If they are original hoses then they are probably due.
The rot occurs on the inside where you cant see. The old ones can be rotten on the inside and look new on the outside. You can probably get both rad hoses for less than $35. There are two heater hoses that stream coolant as well. If they are original hoses then they are probably due.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
There are also two heater hose connections to the water pump in this vicinity. I would wipe the area dry as best as possible and then see where the leak comes from. You can also do a pressure test.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 1,556
From: Poway CA
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The plastic overflow tank is a common source of leaks.
Mine just let go on my 98 last month.
Got a new tank and hoses for under $100 - very easy repair.
Mine cracked at the fitting on the bottom of the tank. It would actually spray antifreeze when I pushed and pulled on the hoses.
Mine just let go on my 98 last month.
Got a new tank and hoses for under $100 - very easy repair.
Mine cracked at the fitting on the bottom of the tank. It would actually spray antifreeze when I pushed and pulled on the hoses.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 333
Likes: 10
From: Gilbert AZ
If it were me I would replace the radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses and water pump while you are doing this repair.
OEM New Radiator is about 198.00
OEM New Hoses is about 40.00
OEM waterpump replacement is about 140.00 (Lifetime warranty)
Im actually going down this road along while replacing my oil pump - Finally happening this week after one delay after another.
YMMV
Dont ever use stop leak in your car ... my .02
OEM New Radiator is about 198.00
OEM New Hoses is about 40.00
OEM waterpump replacement is about 140.00 (Lifetime warranty)
Im actually going down this road along while replacing my oil pump - Finally happening this week after one delay after another.
YMMV
Dont ever use stop leak in your car ... my .02
Last edited by Drewster67; Mar 28, 2016 at 03:05 PM.
