Radiator fluid is dripping from somewhere. From what I can tell it is probably from the upper radiator hose. I say this because there is fluid sitting at the top of the radiator in the crevis, and some splashing nearer to the top. Are there any recommendations for narrowing down a leak???? It is probably simple, but I am new to actually working on my car myself, rather than a shop....Thanks

 

the first step in tracking down a leak is to get the everything real clean. Then I would run the car at rest for 15-30 minutes. maybe squeeze the hoses you can reach.

 

If that doesn't help, get a pressure pump&adapter for the radiator cap. If you pressurize the system cold, it makes the leak easier to find becuase it doesn't evaporate as soon as it leaks out.

Look to see if it's leaking where the top plastic tank is crimped onto the radiator core. If that's it, you'll want to get a new radiator.

 

Most of the time, the radiator will be leaking from the upper tank. The plastic tanks do not usually last longer than about 10 to 12 years.

I have included a couple pictures of cracks in Honda radiators. Ourold radiators were all shrink wrapped up to take to the scrap yard, but I managed to get a couple of pictures. I think you should be able to determine where thecracks commonly form in relationship to the cap and upper radiator hose connection inthe photos.

If the top tank isn't cracked, it could easiliy be leaking at the seal between the core and the upper tank.

If you find the leak, use a Koyo radiator to replace. Koyo is an OEM for many Honda applications. Also, use the Honda Type 2 coolant.

Hope this helps
Ed Brian
Accurate Automotive, Inc.
www.accuratecars.com


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Thanks for the reply and pictures....

I took it in for an oil change and the people there said it was leaking where the plastic meets the metal at the top. Although ever since they wiped it down i have not seen any dripping fluid. I am thinking that maybe it was excess fluid from when i filled up my radiator last week. I have recently gotten a new radiator in the past year and a half for sure.

When I let the car idle I could see a small amount of steam coming from somewhere near the passenger side fan...I could only see it while holding a mirror under the car and could not see it above the car.

I was getting a small amount on the ground in the center of the car below the radiator...since the guys wiped it all down I have not seen the any fluid on the ground?