Radiator question
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: The South
Radiator question
Ok, I changed my heater core a while back and everything went smoothly. but now that it has gotten colder (single digits) here in TN, I have noticed that I have a coolant leak when I first start up the engine. The wierd thing is it seems to go away when the engine gets warmed up. I dont notice the leak when I get to my destination. Does the fact that I replaced everything when it was cold out have something to do with it? did I fill my radiator incorrectly?
Any advice would be much appreciated...
Thanks in advance...
Any advice would be much appreciated...
Thanks in advance...
Where is the leak?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Western Colorado USA
Radiator question
That happens quite a bit, it's caused by the cold and sometimes can be tough to find. When everything cools off and contracts, the tolerances are greater between the radiator, hoses and the water pump. After the engine reaches operating temp, everything tightens back up and that seals the leak.
Try to pinpoint the leak as best you can and then tighten the clamps or bolts in that area, it's best to tighten them while it's cold. Be sure to not over torque the water pump bolts if it's in that area general area, a busted bolt is a pain to remove. Chances are that if it is coming from between the water pump and engine block, the gasket is bad and will need replacing, if you do have to pull the pump, might as well replace it.
If it is leaking from the weep hole in the water pump, then the pump is shot and will need to be replaced.
If it looks like it is comming from the radiator itself, it might be a seam about to give way and there is not much you can do except replace it or have it repaired at a radiator shop.
If your thinking about using some sort of "stop leak" that pours into the radiator, think twice because that can cause even bigger headaches later on.
http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache...hl=en&ie=UTF-8
Drop down to page 4 for a better explanation of a cold water leak.
Try to pinpoint the leak as best you can and then tighten the clamps or bolts in that area, it's best to tighten them while it's cold. Be sure to not over torque the water pump bolts if it's in that area general area, a busted bolt is a pain to remove. Chances are that if it is coming from between the water pump and engine block, the gasket is bad and will need replacing, if you do have to pull the pump, might as well replace it.
If it is leaking from the weep hole in the water pump, then the pump is shot and will need to be replaced.
If it looks like it is comming from the radiator itself, it might be a seam about to give way and there is not much you can do except replace it or have it repaired at a radiator shop.
If your thinking about using some sort of "stop leak" that pours into the radiator, think twice because that can cause even bigger headaches later on.
http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache...hl=en&ie=UTF-8
Drop down to page 4 for a better explanation of a cold water leak.
Last edited by alanscott; Jan 25, 2003 at 04:49 PM.
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Senior User
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From: The South
Radiator question
hmmm... so what you are saying is that I am pretty much screwed no matter what. Should I wait till the temp warms up and see if it fixes itself? or is this a major problem that I need to attend to right away. I just noticed tonight that my breaks are making noises and such and are prolly gonna need a new pair of shoes soon and being a poor college student with high hopes of a nice Bronco, money is in short supply.
Any donations may be made through PayPal... AOL IM me for account number to which you can donate.
Thanks again...
Any donations may be made through PayPal... AOL IM me for account number to which you can donate.
Thanks again...
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,321
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From: Western Colorado USA
Radiator question
Originally posted by treehugger36
hmmm... so what you are saying is that I am pretty much screwed no matter what.
Thanks again...
hmmm... so what you are saying is that I am pretty much screwed no matter what.
Thanks again...
Before you throw your hands up and quit, at least try to locate the leak.
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