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Leaking radiator - how plausible?

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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 03:46 PM
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Leaking radiator - how plausible?

So, thanks to this "wonderful" freezing cold weather, it is very easy to identify any leaks in the coolant system now.

As of today, I've replaced everything on the front of the car on the coolant system, except for the radiator.

Coolant is leaking. Thanks to the weather, there is definitely steam coming from the front area of the car. Additionally, a big puddle of antifreeze was left during warmup from the radiator area - and every hose there has been replaced and tightened down, then double checked for appropriate tightness.

How plausible is a leaking radiator?
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 03:58 PM
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Stock one? Very plausible.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Gene
Stock one? Very plausible.
Roger. http://www.radiatorbarn.com/ sell decent stock replacements?
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 04:45 PM
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Could be water out the overflow tank. LIke a blown water seal internal to the engine shoving water out of the engine into the overflow tank........tank fills up and dumps the water on the gnd. Merry X-MAS
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by HAILERS
Could be water out the overflow tank. LIke a blown water seal internal to the engine shoving water out of the engine into the overflow tank........tank fills up and dumps the water on the gnd. Merry X-MAS
Done every test that I've read on here and on google, all have the engine checking out perfectly.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Blaen99
Done every test that I've read on here and on google, all have the engine checking out perfectly.

it's it's leaking as much as you say it is, it should be pretty easy to tell if it's leaking from the overflow tank or from somewhere else.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by eage8
it's it's leaking as much as you say it is, it should be pretty easy to tell if it's leaking from the overflow tank or from somewhere else.
It's not from the overflow tank, as (alluded to) prior.

It's physically from the general radiator area.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 05:50 PM
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then fill it up,get it warm and it will leak..
If the car is leaking as mch as you say it is,then it shouldn't be hard to find...
Drive over Card Board...start the car and get it hot.The Cardboard gives you the Location of the leak.
I just don't get why you are Asking What it is,when there is So much Coolant.It should be obvious.
there are two plastic Pieces in front of the rad that can be taken off(rad shroud/air dam pieces).That will allow you to Look at the front of the rad with a Flashlight.
If everything has been replaced,Except for the rad.,.Then..HMM?..it's the Rad.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
then fill it up,get it warm and it will leak..
If the car is leaking as mch as you say it is,then it shouldn't be hard to find...
Drive over Card Board...start the car and get it hot.The Cardboard gives you the Location of the leak.
I just don't get why you are Asking What it is,when there is So much Coolant.It should be obvious.
there are two plastic Pieces in front of the rad that can be taken off(rad shroud/air dam pieces).That will allow you to Look at the front of the rad with a Flashlight.
If everything has been replaced,Except for the rad.,.Then..HMM?..it's the Rad.
All of this has been followed, mainly it's a question related to the physical plausibility of the radiator leaking fluid.

Radiator's leaking, it'll be replaced shortly.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Blaen99
All of this has been followed, mainly it's a question related to the physical plausibility of the radiator leaking fluid.

Radiator's leaking, it'll be replaced shortly.
As stated earlier, it is VERY plausible that the radiator is leaking. The stock radiators have plastic end-tanks that will crack from normal wear and age, let alone a freeze.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 08:35 PM
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would be easier to pressurize the system.
Easier to find leak.
Try to rent a coolant system pressure tester from a automotive store.
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Black Knight RX7 FC3S
would be easier to pressurize the system.
Easier to find leak.
Try to rent a coolant system pressure tester from a automotive store.
Did that actually before, found a **** ton of leaks, of which there were still some left sadly.

I'll be picking up a pressure system tester when it's not below freezing out to mess with however.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 12:37 AM
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If you sound like your into buying cheap replacement parts, and taking the easy way out...

K&W block sealer.


However replace your radiator with a nice one, not an el cheapo which will break again, costing you many times as much in parts/repairs/new radiator than a nice brand new radiator would cost.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/b8.htm
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 06:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Marshessn
However replace your radiator with a nice one, not an el cheapo which will break again, costing you many times as much in parts/repairs/new radiator than a nice brand new radiator would cost.
The "el cheapo" replacements I've seen have been all metal instead of the stocker's plastic/metal combination.
This itself is a step from the composite unit since the joint between the end tanks and the matrix is the typical failure point.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 05:28 PM
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Well,I am glad that you are going to replace the rad,as that could Be the Only thing that could be the source of the Leak(s).
And I based that from the Fact that you Replaced everything else.
You see,replacing all the other stuff would have made a "little" difference in your Pressure..(hoses are Tighter and not soggy,the Thermostat is better,etc).
The Stock rad,although Light in construction isn't the best.
I hate the Plastic on them,and the way they are Crimped onto the Core.
I just went and Bought a Brand new KOYO rad and put that in place of my Stock rad..I have Lower Temps now(engine runs at 84 degrees celcius,constant.),and It was a Great investment,plus Piece of mind.
If your Wallet isn't up to Shelling out 250,then try a New one from an Auto Parts place.The Sec Gen Parts Section here is a good source of Many Used parts.(just look at the Good guy section first,and find out who is reliable).But the Last place I would go is a wrecking yard.
If you are Like me,then it will be fixed right..the First and Only Time..for Good...hahaha!..Good Luck
Ps:keep any animals,especially Dogs, away from your prestone spills..Toxic..Poison,etc.(I had to say that,I am a Dog Owner,and my Dog likes to 'check stuff out"when I am working on the car!)
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
Well,I am glad that you are going to replace the rad,as that could Be the Only thing that could be the source of the Leak(s).
And I based that from the Fact that you Replaced everything else.
You see,replacing all the other stuff would have made a "little" difference in your Pressure..(hoses are Tighter and not soggy,the Thermostat is better,etc).
The Stock rad,although Light in construction isn't the best.
I hate the Plastic on them,and the way they are Crimped onto the Core.
I just went and Bought a Brand new KOYO rad and put that in place of my Stock rad..I have Lower Temps now(engine runs at 84 degrees celcius,constant.),and It was a Great investment,plus Piece of mind.
If your Wallet isn't up to Shelling out 250,then try a New one from an Auto Parts place.The Sec Gen Parts Section here is a good source of Many Used parts.(just look at the Good guy section first,and find out who is reliable).But the Last place I would go is a wrecking yard.
If you are Like me,then it will be fixed right..the First and Only Time..for Good...hahaha!..Good Luck
Ps:keep any animals,especially Dogs, away from your prestone spills..Toxic..Poison,etc.(I had to say that,I am a Dog Owner,and my Dog likes to 'check stuff out"when I am working on the car!)
Show me where to get a Koyo rad for $250, I'll hop on it on the spot.

Cheapest I've found is around $320 after shipping.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 08:17 PM
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I got mine for 240 shipped..I got it through the Forum.It was Used, and had 5k miles on it.I was lucky.
I tell ya what though,If I Find a deal,Close to that Price,I'll let you know.There is one in the 2nd Gen Parts section.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 08:30 PM
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Did you look at the radiator draincock? No need to replace the whole radiator if it's loose or the o-ring is bad.
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 09:02 PM
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Originally Posted by AGreen
Did you look at the radiator draincock? No need to replace the whole radiator if it's loose or the o-ring is bad.
Replaced it with a brand new one from Mazdatrix already.

The leak is coming from the very front of the radiator. Fairly certain of where it is, I'll get around to removing it shortly.
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Old Dec 18, 2008 | 09:36 PM
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Crap,I just noticed you got a replacement!..I just sent you a PM with a Good Deal on a Koyo from a Buddy.
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