Radiator leak
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From: Auburn/ Opelika
Radiator leak
Hey guys,
My radiator has a fast leak, like you put in fresh antifreeze and two days later it is all gone! Anyone know if there is a 'stop leak' substance for radiators? I looked down the backside of it and you can see where it leaks out. Near the top, just below the opening (3 inches or so?) and the second one way down the bottom, where there is as a metal tube entering. It has a large nut around it where it meets the radiator. Is there a seal or need a good tightening? Man, the repair list is never ending seems like.......
-BBB
My radiator has a fast leak, like you put in fresh antifreeze and two days later it is all gone! Anyone know if there is a 'stop leak' substance for radiators? I looked down the backside of it and you can see where it leaks out. Near the top, just below the opening (3 inches or so?) and the second one way down the bottom, where there is as a metal tube entering. It has a large nut around it where it meets the radiator. Is there a seal or need a good tightening? Man, the repair list is never ending seems like.......
-BBB
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Joined: Oct 2003
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There are Radiator/Coolant System Stop Leak products at most automotive supply places...but their actual reliability is questionable. I used them successfully on a 89 Chevy Cavalier that had a crack somewhere in the engine...if that didn't work it was going to the junkyard. But I'm confident the leak was something of a hairline crack. What you have described seems larger and I would be doubtful if the Stop-Leak would work.
Sounds like your lower leak is where the transmission cooler lines may enter. Did you try tightening the fitting?
Higher up may be the actual radiator and possibly not much help. Are you sure it's not a hose actually leaking? I've had that before and thought it was the radiator.
Sounds like your lower leak is where the transmission cooler lines may enter. Did you try tightening the fitting?
Higher up may be the actual radiator and possibly not much help. Are you sure it's not a hose actually leaking? I've had that before and thought it was the radiator.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Camden County, NC
I tried w/out success on a small leak in my rad. I ended up getting a new rad. Good luck. I have heard that too many treatments can clog the water jackets in the heads, not sure just heard. Be careful...
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From: Auburn/ Opelika
Be careful...for real, broken stuff b/c of yours truly suxs 
. Yeah, me and my dad tried tightening all the hose clamps already....I'll look into checking them real good. Haven't tried adjusting the fitting, afraid I might screw it up (pun not intended lol). I try rechecking the clamps and fitting later this after noon. I'll keep yall posted. Thanks.
-BBB
. Yeah, me and my dad tried tightening all the hose clamps already....I'll look into checking them real good. Haven't tried adjusting the fitting, afraid I might screw it up (pun not intended lol). I try rechecking the clamps and fitting later this after noon. I'll keep yall posted. Thanks.-BBB
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From: END OF THE OREGON TRAIL
Stop leak works on small stuff but is only temporary sounds like you need a new radiator.
Stop leak also settles into bottom of radiator and reduce cooling capacity if you use a lot. good luck
Stop leak also settles into bottom of radiator and reduce cooling capacity if you use a lot. good luck
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 117
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From: Phoenix, AZ
My radiator leaked also. It leaked from the gasket where the metal radiator meets the plastic tanks. I took it into a shop and they cored the radiator and inserted a new gasket. Worked like a charm.
Josh
Josh
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From: Phoenix, AZ
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From: Auburn/ Opelika
Checked hoses and one needed tightening. Tried to adjust fitting but none of the wrenches were big enough. $50? I only hope I can be so fortunate. -BBB
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
Pepper works the best as a stop leak and it's basically free too. I had a 66 F100 that sprang a leak in the core on the way to work one day, I put a few packets of pepper in it that I got free from 7-11 and drove it home that evening. It never leaked again.
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With where you are seeing the antifreeze I don't think it's the water pump. Unless you are doing really fast reverse driving.
The leak at the top is most likley it. the one at the bottom is most likley run off from the top leak.
sounds like you need a radiator
The leak at the top is most likley it. the one at the bottom is most likley run off from the top leak.
sounds like you need a radiator
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From: Auburn/ Opelika
sounds like you need a radiator
Say it ain't so, that's definitely the last thing I wanted to hear. We'll see what it does in the next couple of days. Don't want to spring for the big bucks yet. -BBB
Say it ain't so, that's definitely the last thing I wanted to hear. We'll see what it does in the next couple of days. Don't want to spring for the big bucks yet. -BBB
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Miami
Yeah that top NUT is the transmission cooling line and there are rubber washers there that probably need to be replaced. Take the radiator out and bring it to a shop and let them pressure test it for ya, couple bucks and you will definetly find where it is leaking from. On all three of my fords, the heater hose fittings out of the water pump and intake have been corroded and leaked down onto the water pump, making it look like the water pump leaking. If it is leaking that fast, put straight water in it and wait for the rust stain to form somewhere in the engine compartment, then you'll find the leak!
She Ain't Revved Ti'll The Rods Are Thrown!
Al
She Ain't Revved Ti'll The Rods Are Thrown!
Al