For the last couple of years only when its cold I have been loosing antifreez. This past weekend it got down to the single digets and every morning the puddle under my truck was rapidly getting bigger then the day before. I finally found what I believe is the source. It's at the seem between the radiator and the passanger side tank. Since the tank is plastic instead of copper is there a fix or do I have replace the radiator. Its cold as hell with ice and snow so If I can get a quick fix untill it warms up a little it would be greatly appreciated.

Also can somebody explain the science of why it only happens when its cold. I never lost a drop of coolent during the summer only when it was cold and the colder the temp dropped the more it leaked.

 

Sure, its a common problem, especially on explorers. The side tank seals shrink when its cold outside and leak. When you warm the vehicle the seals expland and seal off the tank again.

 

Most radiator shops can put a new seal in there for you. It is not uncommon with the plastic tank radiators.

Kenny

 

you describe what is called a "cold water leak" often caused by contraction of hoses and lose clamps. Pressure check the system first to see where the leak is coming from and HOPE its not the radiator.

 

Had a week long spell of night and day temps in the teens, had to do something quick. 2 bolts, 2 hoses and 2 hours use of friends heated garage and I had new radiator plus a few other things to get the truck through another winter.