Radiator? Thermostat?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 106
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From: NE Ohio
Radiator? Thermostat?
The day after I finally installed the blue spring I started seeing coolant under the truck. Looked like it was coming from the top of the radiator, not a lot, but enough to freak me out. I wasn’t sure if I “pumped” it out while installing the blue spring. Eventually it stopped for a day after I released the pressure in the overflow tank but it started again the next day. Could the radiator leak on the crimped cover on top? And why? Does the 6L have a thermostat some ware that may be stuck, could it be the tank cap valve? When I changed the blue spring, to get the socket on the small hose clamp on top of the radiator, I had to rotate the clamp on the larger hose and I am pretty sure I did tightened it back on. Any suggestions, what should I look for?
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 240
From: Texas
You need to try to actually see where the puddle originates. On the front it could be leaking several places. You can’t just be “pretty sure” about anything on these trucks. If you possibly forgot to tighten the hose clamps I’d double check them then start looking elsewhere while the truck is running and you have pressure on your degas bottle.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
It's actually TOO common for these radiators to leak around the crimped top (FOR NO DAMN REASON IMHO). I know of several people who have had this failure over the past few years. Regardless, as you were advised double check your work, rinse the area with water and drive it to operating temperature then let it sit. It will show you where it's leaking. Unless it's a really new radiator, I would NOT advise you to attempt repair, just get a new one. NO STOP LEAK ALLOWED.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 103
From: Jacksonville Florida
A big mistake a lot of people make when they take the hose clamp off top radiator hose is when they put it back on. You need to line up the crimp lines on the hose and clamp to where they where when you disassembled it .If not the hose may not seal properly .
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 240
From: Texas
I double clamp every connecton as well...
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 106
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From: NE Ohio
My commute is 4.5 miles and with the Cleveland temperatures this days I am lucky if the oil gets to 170F after being plugged in for about 4 hours (70sh F to start with). When installing the blue spring, I only removed the small hose (degas bottle hose) and rotate the clamp on the big hose. I can see coolant by the crimped fingers on top of the radiator, driver side back corner but I cannot feel any on the two rubber hoses. I'll wash it and take a longer drive to see. Last August I had the coolant changed and immediately after on a trip to Michigan I had to stop, buy a syringe and suck out about 1/2 a gallon; I guess the mechanic left the kid in the garage do the job. What kind of pressure should be in the degas bottle and is the cap supposed to release at a certain psi?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 103
From: Jacksonville Florida
You could buy the dye and have access to a black light. It will tell you for sure. Especially being right there on top of the radiator but you'll be able to track it no matter where it's at.
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Fleet Mechanic
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