Radiator Leak
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 31
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From: New Castle U.S.A
Radiator Leak
On my 94 ranger I have been haveing a puddle of antifreeze under my truck every once in a while. This has been happening for a while but some times it will not leave a spot at all and some times it will drain a lot out. The puddle is right under the front bumper. I know its comeing from my truck because I have seen it dripping but can ever pinpt the leak. My main question is has anyone ever had or heard this same problem and what can I do to fix it and why does it do it randomly.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 71
From: Elk River, MN
Radiator Leak
If it only does it some of the time, it might be temp related. When you shut off the engine and it has been driven 10 miles or so, the heat surges out of the engine after shut down, into the coolant and goes to the radiator in a thermal cycle action. This increases the pressure and would cause a leak at any weak spot. Most likely spot would be the lower radiator hose attachment to the engine or radiator.
Check the clamps to see if they are tight or if there are signs of a leak. Another location to check is the radiator drain valve at the rear bottom of the radiator end tank. It is plastic and there is an o-ring in there. Worse case is the radiator seal between the end tanks and the radiator core could be leaking. Most service places have a coolant system tester that they can clamp on the radiator opening and pressurize the system to operating pressure (13-17 psi). This will allow you to locate a leak immediately. After you check the obvious on your hoses, you might want to stop at a radiator repair place and have them check the system with a pressure tester.
Check the clamps to see if they are tight or if there are signs of a leak. Another location to check is the radiator drain valve at the rear bottom of the radiator end tank. It is plastic and there is an o-ring in there. Worse case is the radiator seal between the end tanks and the radiator core could be leaking. Most service places have a coolant system tester that they can clamp on the radiator opening and pressurize the system to operating pressure (13-17 psi). This will allow you to locate a leak immediately. After you check the obvious on your hoses, you might want to stop at a radiator repair place and have them check the system with a pressure tester.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 31
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From: New Castle U.S.A
Radiator Leak
ok now that it is cold out the radiator has been leaking real bad until the engine gets to temp. When it gets up to normal temp it stops and I can see that it is coming from both sides of the radiator where the sides have been criped on. I was wondering if there is any way to fix this problem or does this mean a new radiator.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 71
From: Elk River, MN
Radiator Leak
New Radiator is the best way to go. The core is aluminum and the tanks are plastic. There is a rubber gasket where they are crimped together. I have heard that radiator shops can recrimp them, but if you do this, get some type guarantee from the radiator shop.
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3
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Radiator Leak
I would agree that a new radiator is the way to go. I had a similar problem last year. I thought about getting it fixed, but when I found out that a new would not cost much more, the new one made sense. While you are at it, you should replace the lower readiator hose too. I thikI paid less that 150 for the radiator, hose, clamps, cap, and fluid.
It is not that difficult to replace this your self. I think it took me less that 2 hours in the garage - this included replacing the fluid.
It is not that difficult to replace this your self. I think it took me less that 2 hours in the garage - this included replacing the fluid.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: New Castle U.S.A
Radiator Leak
cbcruiser I have to ask where did you get the new radiator if you dont mind me asking. Reason for asking is that I havent been able to find just a radiator that was under 180 bucks and Im just a poor college kid and every dollar I can save counts.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Radiator Leak
ok hey this is a small check but check the line that runs from the coolant resavoir to the radiotar. this hose isn't attached by clips so it can easily be loosened. just heck and make sure
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