I have a small leak coming from my LARGE hose that goes from the radiator to the lower part of my engine. The leak is coming from the engine side of the hose.
Is this my thermostat?

Second, when I go to the parts store what gasket do I ask for?

I have checked to see if the two bolts are tight and they are.

Thanks

Where is the best place to buy the antifreeze additive?

 

The thermostat is located in the housing on top of the waterpump where the upper radiator hose connects. The bottom hose connects to the waterpump inlet pipe. Both connections use O-rings, instead of gaskets. Most Tractor Supply Stores carry the antifreeze with the coolant additive already mixed in, if you want to go that route. I believe it is called "Fleetcharge".

 

Like mueckster said the lower hose is the inlet to the waterpump. When mine started to leak the replacement o-ring was the same as the o-ring for the thermostat. When you remove it, it will drain around 4 gallons of anti-freeze. Make sure if you have the green anti-freeze to add SCA to it. Test strips,I got mine from NAPA, will tell you if you have the proper amount added. Test it after a good drive, around 30 miles or so, so it mixes well with the anti-freeze in the block. As for the additive, beleive or not it was cheaper at the stealership.

 

Now's a good time to get some Shell Rotella ELC coolant. No SCA's needed and its good for 300,000 miles. You have to flush ALL of the old stuff out before you put it in.

 

I am thinking about going to Rotella ELC since I can literally see gunk floating in my resevoir I have the green stuff.

What is the proper way to flush out your cooling system?