Radiator Tester?
#1
12-04-2013, 07:05 AM
Radiator Tester?
So as I was backing out of the driveway, the front end bottomed out and now it's starting to leak coolant from underneath the middle part of the radiator. Frustrating because I have to drive to Dulles (about a 45 minute-one hour trip) on Friday... UGH!
I've done some research and know that doing a radiator pressure test is probably the next step, but before I drop $70 on one, I'm curious how that would help diagnose the actual source of the leak. I already know the general location of the leak, but can't find the source.
I've done some research and know that doing a radiator pressure test is probably the next step, but before I drop $70 on one, I'm curious how that would help diagnose the actual source of the leak. I already know the general location of the leak, but can't find the source.
Last edited by skyfire322; 12-04-2013 at 07:08 AM.
#2
12-04-2013, 07:58 AM
The pressure tester allows you to pressurize it cold. That helps in the case where the hot coolant evaporates as soon as it leaks, making the leak difficult to find. If you find liquid leaking out, then the pressure tester is less important. But you still have to find the leak.
Since it started by bottoming out, it seems like the radiator itself is a likely problem. You can't replace just the lower tank, or just the core, so either of those means a new radiator. Can you already convince yourself the leak in somewhere in the radiator?
Auto trans? There's ATF hoses at the lower tank; maybe those were involved with the hit? If they are leaking coolant (not ATF) then check those fittings carefully whether something just needs to be tightened?
Since it started by bottoming out, it seems like the radiator itself is a likely problem. You can't replace just the lower tank, or just the core, so either of those means a new radiator. Can you already convince yourself the leak in somewhere in the radiator?
Auto trans? There's ATF hoses at the lower tank; maybe those were involved with the hit? If they are leaking coolant (not ATF) then check those fittings carefully whether something just needs to be tightened?
#3
12-05-2013, 06:31 AM
I do have a gut feeling it is the radiator. I found a replacement on ebay for $50, so I'm thinking just popping that in.
It's a manual transmission. Not sure if this has anything to do with it or not, but when I removed the radiator cap to check the level yesterday morning, I noticed the whole radiator assembly was quite loose. I could grab the cap, and move it back and forth with ease.
It's a manual transmission. Not sure if this has anything to do with it or not, but when I removed the radiator cap to check the level yesterday morning, I noticed the whole radiator assembly was quite loose. I could grab the cap, and move it back and forth with ease.
#5
12-05-2013, 07:41 PM
Phew! I thought it was another bit of bad luck for the car! New radiator is on it's way next week,so this can be taken care of once and for all!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Novaknowledgenow
General Tech Help
1
05-30-2013 08:58 PM