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Coolant leak help

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Old 11-19-02, 09:52 AM
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Coolant leak help

Hey All,

My radiator core was leaking, so I ordered a new one. Put in the new Koyo (after some fitment issues) and everything was cool. 5 days later, I noticed a coolant leak coming from the passenger side of the under tray.

After I got home, took off the under tray and the air filter box, but for the life of me can't find the leak. Dried everything off, all the hoses look good and tight. Started it up and let it run for ~10 minutes, but guess it needed longer to warm up before it started leaking again.

Could it possibly be a defective radiator? Couldn't see any bent fins, fans weren't hitting it. Tonight after work I guess I'll have to take off the IC and battery to take the rad completely out and inspect it.

The leak is definately coming from the passenger side, and it looked to leak through the A/C condenser, the fins on the under side of that had coolant on it. But if the top of the radiator looks good, I can't see how the bottom would be leaking, as nothing really could hit it or damage it enough to make it leak.

Ideas are much appreciated!

Cavell
Old 11-19-02, 09:53 AM
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maybe check the radiator...there could be a very small pinhole that isn't noticeable unless you are actually looking for it?
Old 11-19-02, 09:56 AM
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I had a small leak for a couple weeks and could not find what was wrong for awhile. It ended up being a faulty clamp on the radiator hoses.
Check the clamps and the hoses (for splits or cracks).
Old 11-19-02, 10:00 AM
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This was a pretty hefty leak though. After I got it home from work and let it sit in the driveway before bringing it in the garage there was a nice size puddle on the ground. Unfortunately I couldn't get it in there and the undertray off fast enough to find out where it was coming from.

Seems it only happens after the car has been heated up and running for a while. But all the hoses felt dry.
Old 11-19-02, 12:55 PM
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check to make sure that your coolant overflow tank (read NOT AST) is not overflowing after shutdown. this would cause a puddle on the passenger side. also check to make sure that your overflow tank is not cracked. if cracked it would hold water while cold and when it gets hot enough will leak on the passenger side again. try changing your radiator caps too as mine was faulty as well...
Old 11-19-02, 01:28 PM
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Just talked to Steve Kan.. He thinks that whenever we were burping the system after putting the radiator in, got the caps from the main filler and AST reversed. That when under high pressure that'll cause the coolant to come out the reservoir.

Probly stop by the dealer to get the caps on the way home as a just in case measure.
Old 11-19-02, 01:29 PM
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Thanks for your help guys!
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