PICS OF MY COOLANT LEAK! Rad?

[kraka]

Reposting from dsmtalk...Just looking for advice from the other side of the dsm world:

Hey guys, don't fail me now:

--I recently discovered after idling in the driveway, that coolant was dripping from the underbody <---Was my immediate reaction! I thought it was a HG explosion for sure...

But, I had no overheating, no oil/coolant mix and no white smoke...Nope, not a headgasket I imagine...

SO, recently I took some pics after the leak started up again, and sure enough I got some proof of it's existence...

Tell me, is a new radiator in my future? Or does this look fixable?? Also, is this not coming from only my radiator?? Take a look for yourself
BTW: This is from my 91awd w/ only 72k original miles...2 Soon for a radiator?

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More pics upon request!! ADVICE FAST!! Thanks a bunch

 

[brodiedehass]

Seems to be a radiator problem. Check your upper, lower radiator hoses and drain #### for leaks. Radiators don't necessarily fail because of high mileage. They usually fail from damage or corrosion. Do a coolant pressure test if you can that way you can do it while the car isn't running and you should be able to pinpoint your leak.

 

[kraka]

Leaks all seem to be coming down at that one area in the center...Pictures all show the leakage at the bottom endtank I believe...I thought about draining coolant and taking the radiator out itself, but I would rather get some advice first

 

[TURFNNSURF]

Leaks all seem to be coming down at that one area in the center...Pictures all show the leakage at the bottom endtank I believe...I thought about draining coolant and taking the radiator out itself, but I would rather get some advice first

The best advice I can offer, would be to get the car to a Radiadtor repair shop. Have them pressurize your cooling system and look for leaks. It could be as simple as tightening a clamp on the upper or lower rad hoses. Or it could be a leak in the core from a stone that bounced into the rad while driving on the highway. Either way they will be able to fix it for you easily. BTW new Rad hoses are pretty cheap and replacing them at 70+k is insurance for your motor.

 

[femmeDSM]

I agree ^^^ I've had luck w/ rad. repair shops before.
If you do get new hoses, I think I paid about $30 for my set -- cheap insurance.

Then again, you could always go Fluidyne....................................

 

[Talon_For_Life]

I'm going to have to agree with TURF on this one. The yellow residue on the bottom of the radiator looks like its been heated and re-heated many times. Just based on the pictures you gave I would have to say you've either got a crack in the radiator or a damaged element (the mesh looking material which makes up most of the radiator). Unfortunately, either of these are usually unrepairable. New radiators usually go for around $100 to $150. If you bring your car to a shop they are likely going to charge you too much for service. Replacing the radiator is one of the more simple things to do (just remember where those bolts go! )

Here's some advice: If you live in a hot state you might want to purchase a high performance upgrade radiator. Koyo and Arizona Performance are two companies who make these and they only go for about $300. They are super light weight and look way nicer than your stock radiator plus your car should run alot cooler. When I get my next pay check I'm going to buy one, I can let you know how it goes if you want.

If you have any more questions just send to [email protected]

Hope this helps

-Xan

 

[Pure92TSi]

If it is just a small leak in your radiator there is some stuff at auto zone or advance auto called steel epoxy that will work to see it up very well. It's designed to take the heat and pressure of a radiator. I am personally using it on a decent size hole (about 3mm wide and 5mm long) in my Fluidyne radiator and it works great. I've had it on for quite a while now with no problem whatsoever You will have to pull the radiator to do it but it's some really good stuff. Much cheaper than a new radiator.

 

[kraka]

Damn...I kinda figured it would come to this....Looks like I got another project to do, besides just install all of my parts

I don't think it's just a small leak from a hole somewhere, and considering all of the marks on the lower endtanks, there must be something else going on...I dunno, I guess all I can do is drain the coolant, un-install radiator, and look at it before deciding on what other choices I have...Oh well, I guess another question would be where to find a good deal on a replacement...Im scared another plastic endtank replacement would leak again, and a metal endtank one is just so expensive...I live in chicago, it can get decently hot over here, but it's no Arizona/Florida...A koyo/fluidyne just seems so un-necessary for my situation....I know ebay sells some metal endtank units for cheap-ish prices, but I can't seem to find any around right now for less than $150 + shipping; which isn't that great...

Help me out...Thanks so much for all the advice so far

 

[kraka]

Not very different but here are some more pics from the crime scene:

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[Talon_For_Life]

It looks to me like you've had that leak for awhile. The paint on the bottom of the radiator has been eaten away like coolent has been dripping for some time.

Just my observation

-Xan

 

[TURFNNSURF]

Damn...I kinda figured it would come to this....Looks like I got another project to do, besides just install all of my parts

I don't think it's just a small leak from a hole somewhere, and considering all of the marks on the lower endtanks, there must be something else going on...I dunno, I guess all I can do is drain the coolant, un-install radiator, and look at it before deciding on what other choices I have...Oh well, I guess another question would be where to find a good deal on a replacement...Im scared another plastic endtank replacement would leak again, and a metal endtank one is just so expensive...I live in chicago, it can get decently hot over here, but it's no Arizona/Florida...A koyo/fluidyne just seems so un-necessary for my situation....I know ebay sells some metal endtank units for cheap-ish prices, but I can't seem to find any around right now for less than $150 + shipping; which isn't that great...

Help me out...Thanks so much for all the advice so far

Kraka,

I have a stock 1g turbo rad with brass end tanks, I bought it as a replacement in the search for an overheating issue I was having. I then upgraded to a Fluidyne and still had the overheating. After finding out my overheating issue was from a blown headgasket and not the cooling system, I now own a extra good OEM replacement rad for a 1g and it's just sitting in my garage collecting dust. It has some bent fins from slim fan mounting hardware and some scuffs but it DOESN'T leak. It cost me about $175 new, I'll sell it for less shipped if you're interested. PM me with any questions.

 

[kraka]

Kraka,

I have a stock 1g turbo rad with brass end tanks, I bought it as a replacement in the search for an overheating issue I was having. I then upgraded to a Fluidyne and still had the overheating. After finding out my overheating issue was from a blown headgasket and not the cooling system, I now own a extra good OEM replacement rad for a 1g and it's just sitting in my garage collecting dust. It has some bent fins from slim fan mounting hardware and some scuffs but it DOESN'T leak. It cost me about $175 new, I'll sell it for less shipped if you're interested. PM me with any questions.

I will definitely consider it...Make me a very good offer tho...PM will be sent...