Kingstonlake
New member
Radiator shot? [Update]
Got to my sister in-laws to pick up the baby notice a puddle of red-brown under the front drivers side wheel. Further inspection showed what looked like a fluid explosion in the wheel well. Thought it was a brake line but brakes were fine and fluid was at level. Drove the short trip home with no issues but immediately got another puddle. Determined it was radiator fluid. Opened cap and overflow and it seemed thicker as it overflowed out of both the radiator and the over flow tank. It also was not hot. As if there was no flow through the system. I realize this is all preliminary but any advice or been there, done that, would be appreciated.
[Update]
It appears the trans cooler lines gave way. Coolant mixed with atf caused an overflow. 4R never slipped or missed a gear. Had to get it back on the road and bought a spectra rad from autozone and five gallons of Dex III atf. Installed new radiator, drained the pan, and flush out tranny. Did it 2 quarts at a time. Add two qts, pump two quarts. Could tell the atf was spent and it spit out what I would call a foamy version of atf fluid to start. After about 4 1/2 gallons it was pumping the clean fluid. Crossed my fingers, prayed, and took it for a ride. No issues. Shifts very smooth, doesn't slip, and runs a little cooler. Didn't get to use koyo rad like I wanted but had to get it back onvtge road. So far after three days and about 250 miles she seems fine. Hope it lasts! And external tranny cooler on order!
Got to my sister in-laws to pick up the baby notice a puddle of red-brown under the front drivers side wheel. Further inspection showed what looked like a fluid explosion in the wheel well. Thought it was a brake line but brakes were fine and fluid was at level. Drove the short trip home with no issues but immediately got another puddle. Determined it was radiator fluid. Opened cap and overflow and it seemed thicker as it overflowed out of both the radiator and the over flow tank. It also was not hot. As if there was no flow through the system. I realize this is all preliminary but any advice or been there, done that, would be appreciated.
[Update]
It appears the trans cooler lines gave way. Coolant mixed with atf caused an overflow. 4R never slipped or missed a gear. Had to get it back on the road and bought a spectra rad from autozone and five gallons of Dex III atf. Installed new radiator, drained the pan, and flush out tranny. Did it 2 quarts at a time. Add two qts, pump two quarts. Could tell the atf was spent and it spit out what I would call a foamy version of atf fluid to start. After about 4 1/2 gallons it was pumping the clean fluid. Crossed my fingers, prayed, and took it for a ride. No issues. Shifts very smooth, doesn't slip, and runs a little cooler. Didn't get to use koyo rad like I wanted but had to get it back onvtge road. So far after three days and about 250 miles she seems fine. Hope it lasts! And external tranny cooler on order!
Attachments
Last edited:
