Need Help - Is My Radiator Leaking?

[m85476585]

I'm working on changing my timing belt, and I noticed that coolant was dripping from the bottom of the radiator for a long time after I closed the radiator drain valve. A lot dripped out, enough to saturate a rag and leave a significant puddle (I guess I didn't get it all out with the drain valve). The area around the drain valve is dry, but it seemed to be dripping from the bottom of the radiator, saturating the bottom few rows of fins. Before I did the timing belt there was some pink crusty stuff in that area, and maybe if there was a small crack I worked it loose? Does it sound like I need a new radiator? I just want to make sure I'm not missing something before I order a new radiator with express shipping.

I forgot to get a photo before, but here is a photo after I rinsed everything off. Imagine it looks similar, but pink, and only the bottom two rows of fins are wet.

I left a bucket under it overnight, and I'll see if it catches anything in the morning. I could pressure test it, but it would be some work to put all the hoses back on, and by then a new radiator would arrive a bit late to get everything back together in time for next weekend.

 

[m85476585]

I should add: The coolant level was normal before I drained it, and I haven't added coolant in the 2 years I've owned it.

 

[YotaDriver]

It looks like you've got a leak, and I've got the same one on mine. My rig leaves a small puddle just to the left of the driver's side headlight (when looking at it from the front), so apparently the same corner where yours is leaking, too.

I have had to add coolant, but only a few ounces every few weeks. I'm still going to replace the radiator, but as of now it's a manageable leak.

 

[V8Man]

I should add: The coolant level was normal before I drained it, and I haven't added coolant in the 2 years I've owned it.

With the plastic tanks, if they aren't cracked you can sometimes re-crimp the aluminum to the tanks. they leak some when cold then seal when it warms up.

 

[m85476585]

With the plastic tanks, if they aren't cracked you can sometimes re-crimp the aluminum to the tanks. they leak some when cold then seal when it warms up.

Interesting. I'll pull it out and take a look at it. I can't really see it closely with it in the truck. It was probably an extremely slow leak before, but at the rate it started dripping while I was changing the timing belt it would definitely be a problem, and I doubt it would seal if it warmed up.

I found a parts store that can get me a Koyo radiator today for a reasonable price ($200), so I have that on order in case it's not fixable. I want to get it put back together as soon as possible. I might just replace it so I don't have to worry about it again.

It was dripping a little more pink coolant this morning, but there's not much left in it now.

 

[jreask]

Interesting. I'll pull it out and take a look at it. I can't really see it closely with it in the truck. It was probably an extremely slow leak before, but at the rate it started dripping while I was changing the timing belt it would definitely be a problem, and I doubt it would seal if it warmed up.

I found a parts store that can get me a Koyo radiator today for a reasonable price ($200), so I have that on order in case it's not fixable. I want to get it put back together as soon as possible. I might just replace it so I don't have to worry about it again.

It was dripping a little more pink coolant this morning, but there's not much left in it now.

Replace it. You won't have to mess with it anymore. That way you know it won't leak and won't have to keep an eye on it. If it does start leaking it becomes another PITA. Better safe than sorry.

 

[V8Man]

Yes replace it. My suggestion is to get you by until the new one is in. This a good time to change your coolant too.

 

[m85476585]

I replaced it. I already had the coolant out for the timing belt change, so I didn't want to refill a leaky radiator. I looked at the old one, and I don't see any cracks in the plastic, and the crimps look normal, but it definitely seems to be leaking. I think there might have been a slow leak, and leaning on while working on the timing belt loosened it up.