Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[iboughtatahoe23]

So I posted earlier about some gurgling noises under the dash and I figured it didn’t sound right because it was with the rev of the engine it would gargle. I got home and started inspecting the cooling system, and I found all my coolant all over my splash shield, and next to the radiator orange fluid everywhere in my coolant is nearly gone. I don’t know how this would happen. I thought I took really good care of my truck. I just got the radiator flushed and coolant a year ago not even

I just feel really defeated right now like I don’t know the most about cars like I just do what I can and now my coolant is leaking everywhere

 

[SpareParts]

At any moment a radiator can start leaking.
I have seen newish ones spring a leak and used ones last forever it seems. Check all hoses and connections, If all good, replace and move on.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

At any moment a radiator can start leaking.
I have seen newish ones spring a leak and used ones last forever it seems. Check all hoses and connections, If all good, replace and move on.

Im
Not sure exactly what to look for I mean I see the big hoses. I can take some pictures and maybe y’all can circle stuff. I’d really appreciate it. I know the shop will overcharge tf outta me for this

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

I’ll post some pics and stuff tomorrow


Can I still drive to work? As long as I watch the temp, and coolant level?

 

[Blackcar]

I’ll post some pics and stuff tomorrow


Can I still drive to work? As long as I watch the temp, and coolant level?

I personally would not drive vehicle until problem is resolved may cause more damage and cost.

 

[OR VietVet]

Any small leak can get big at any time. You heard the gurgling noise because the heater core is high up in the system and you heard the coolant because the heater core was not full. Sure, drive and watch the lights/gauges and that accomplishes nothing except telling you that the problem is still there. Get it checked by a qualified shop. How do you know they will overcharge? How much is an overcharge? Equipment to test the entire system costs money and the tech spends gobs on tools and learning his craft and the shop has expenses.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Any small leak can get big at any time. You heard the gurgling noise because the heater core is high up in the system and you heard the coolant because the heater core was not full. Sure, drive and watch the lights/gauges and that accomplishes nothing except telling you that the problem is still there. Get it checked by a qualified shop. How do you know they will overcharge? How much is an overcharge? Equipment to test the entire system costs money and the tech spends gobs on tools and learning his craft and the shop has expenses.

I’m gonna try it myself. It looks pretty straightforward.

 

[rdezs]

Kind of a side note for everyone.... I've noticed that recently were getting more people.... And not to be demeaning in any sort of way..... But some have no clue what makes the engine work. I suspect this is due to the inflationary effects of everything, including eggs. People are left with no choice but to figure it out for themselves. As a group we're going to need to have patience with this, and encourage people to learn. And yes, diagnostics over the internet become quite difficult when the other party has looked under the hood for maybe the first time.

 

[OR VietVet]

I’m gonna try it myself. It looks pretty straightforward.

I agree, The radiator swap is not that bad. Just be sure to check up on info about air pockets on the refill. Unless you have a vacuum fill set up, I have always used an old trick an old tech showed me. Jack up the side of the truck with the coolant reservoir and fill slowly. If can, leave overnight on a jack stand. Top off as needed in the morning and drive it and then add as needed.

 

[rdezs]

I’m gonna try it myself. It looks pretty straightforward.

For starters, I would suggest filling it with straight water..... Then start the engine and look to see where exactly it is leaking. You have several hose connections, the radiator itself, and the water pump mounted on the front of the engine. Once you find the component that's leaking, head to your local auto parts store for the replacement. They'll need the year, make and model.... And if it's something like a radiator hose, take it in with you.
By the way, after you determined what's leaking make sure you drain the water out, particularly this time of the year if you're in a cold climate. You don't want it freezing. If you're not sure what a particular item is that's leaking, upload of photo here and ask.

 

[PPV_2018]

I mean where is it leaking from exactly..

Might catch some shhh for this one but, you can pour some black pepper in the reservoir and it will act as a homemade stop leak.

When i was a lot younger and slightly broker than i am now, i had a radiator leak on my first gen explorer. Could not afford to get it fixed for a while so my uncle told me pour black pepper in the reservoir.. i was like BS.. but did it anyways.. well, it stopped the leaking for a good while. Since you’re likely going to have to drain/flush out the system anyways on the repair it’s not the end of the world.

Only recommend as a temporary measure, surely you should get it attended to asap either by shop or as a diy project but the pepper thing will keep you from being sidelined.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

For starters, I would suggest filling it with straight water..... Then start the engine and look to see where exactly it is leaking. You have several hose connections, the radiator itself, and the water pump mounted on the front of the engine. Once you find the component that's leaking, head to your local auto parts store for the replacement. They'll need the year, make and model.... And if it's something like a radiator hose, take it in with you.
By the way, after you determined what's leaking make sure you drain the water out, particularly this time of the year if you're in a cold climate. You don't want it freezing. If you're not sure what a particular item is that's leaking, upload of photo here and ask.

No water here… still winter.

 

[15burban]

Where are you located? Maybe if you're close to another member they would be willing to help you fix it.

 

[Fless]

Rent a cooling system pressure tester from your local auto parts store. Fill the system with coolant, then pressure test it hot, and cold.

The radiators tend to leak from the plastic ends, higher up on the driver's side. But when you pressure test it, look everywhere.

To quote Doc, one of the Seven, “Careful, men, search every cook and nanny... uh, hook and granny... crooked fan... search everywhere.”

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Where are you located? Maybe if you're close to another member they would be willing to help you fix it.

I think I have a good friend lined up to help. But I’m in northeast South Dakota, Aberdeen to be exact. 3 hours from Sioux Falls and Fargo…

 

[Doubeleive]

I think I have a good friend lined up to help. But I’m in northeast South Dakota, Aberdeen to be exact. 3 hours from Sioux Falls and Fargo…

you can do it man, just watch a few youtube video's for pointers, all you need tool wise is a couple sockets, a pick tool or real small flat head screw driver and some pliers.
it's all fairly easy the hardest part may be just getting the passenger side lower radiator hose clamp back on. it's a tight spot but not impossible by any means.
a shop will nail you for anywhere from $650 to $1200 or maybe even more for something that takes them 30 minutes or less.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

you can do it man, just watch a few youtube video's for pointers, all you need tool wise is a couple sockets, a pick tool or real small flat head screw driver and some pliers.
it's all fairly easy the hardest part may be just getting the passenger side lower radiator hose clamp back on. it's a tight spot but not impossible by any means.
a shop will nail you for anywhere from $650 to $1200 or maybe even more for something that takes them 30 minutes or less.

That is insane… might take me all day but no doubt that I can do it

 

[15burban]

But I’m in northeast South Dakota, Aberdeen

I worked out there for roughly 8 months when 3M did their expansion a couple of years ago. We did the foundations for it. Love the area, kind of out in the middle of nowhere but has everything you need there. I just didn't like the 6 hour drive there every Sunday and 6 hour drive home Friday afternoons. Also had a hell of a time getting a hotel once pheasant (if I remember correctly) season started lol.

Good luck and if you get you stumped or have questions, no matter how dumb they may seem, ask away. There's plenty of knowledgeable and helpful guys on here.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

I worked out there for roughly 8 months when 3M did their expansion a couple of years ago. We did the foundations for it. Love the area, kind of out in the middle of nowhere but has everything you need there. I just didn't like the 6 hour drive there every Sunday and 6 hour drive home Friday afternoons. Also had a hell of a time getting a hotel once pheasant (if I remember correctly) season started lol.

Good luck and if you get you stumped or have questions, no matter how dumb they may seem, ask away. There's plenty of knowledgeable and helpful guys on here.

I really appreciate ya guys, been a real godsend the last few years

 

[petethepug]

My 09 is leaking too. My Indi diesel buddy said he didn’t pressure check to find the leak because that blows the crack open. Then the customer is stuck with the fix right there, with parts sourced locally at sky high prices.

These radiators are susceptible to cracked plastic headers from chassis flex. Now, the OEM radiators are guaranteed for life though.

Ordered my GM radiator before the pressure test. Amazon had a torn box special for $187.11 for the 6.2L. Immediately after ordering it a notice popped up they could no longer deliver them to SoCal!?! A Quick Look online shows radiators just jumped 1-$2h this month. WTF?

It pays to shop around. If you’re in need of one fast, shipping time can make or break your budget and force you to buy an overseas special.