Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[Doubeleive]

Does this apply to me?

I wouldn't worry about that just yet, see what it does first just idling and revving it up to cycle coolant thru

 

[Rocket Man]

This is the coolant I used. Ready to use. One of these. It took two gallons all together. I imagine bc there’s some in the block and pump?
View attachment 451299
Initially, after replacing the radiator unit I had everything hooked back up, counted my hoses double checked my connections. I filled up the reservoir to full when cold, started it, and than right away it burped some bubbles and sucked the coolant down right away. So I was quick as I could be without splashing the coolant everywhere (poured slow into a funnel that i set in the reservoir) mind you I was by myself didn’t have anyone watching the temp gauge. Everything was going fine… top hose was hot and than the fans kicked on. I’m like that’s good right? They were consistent and not kicking on and off. It’s about 32°f outside as well. And than I looked at the temp gauge and it was just halfway reaching tHat three quarter mark


I also was lightly squeezing the hose here and there. I didn’t see anymore bubbles. I did have the cap off. Once the thermostat went on it seemed like the coolant just expanded? I was expecting it to suck MORE down when the thermostat opens? Not expand.

The entire cooling system holds 19 quarts, or nearly 5 gallons. IIRC when I did radiators both times it took about 3 gallons. I think you need to add more, it should burp and take another gallon or so. I could be wrong but 2 gallons doesn’t seem right. Maybe others can remember what it took them.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

OK, I just got back from my 20 minute drive did not overheat. Here is where the reservoir is at now though I am on a slight slope leaning to the right cause I have to park on the side of the street. Suppose I’ll just keep an eye on it.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

The entire cooling system holds 19 quarts, or nearly 5 gallons. IIRC when I did radiators both times it took about 3 gallons. I think you need to add more, it should burp and take another gallon or so. I could be wrong but 2 gallons doesn’t seem right. Maybe others can remember what it took them.

Well, remember, I think they’re still cooling in the block right I never drained the block

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Yes, but it depends on if your radiator mfr made the hole the right size. Don't worry about it now; wait until the temp settles.

What should I be looking for once the temp settles?

 

[Doubeleive]

View attachment 451319
OK, I just got back from my 20 minute drive did not overheat. Here is where the reservoir is at now though I am on a slight slope leaning to the right cause I have to park on the side of the street. Suppose I’ll just keep an eye on it.

your good to go.....

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

your good to go.....

Cool… I really appreciate everyone help. I really couldn’t have done it without yall.

 

[Doubeleive]

What should I be looking for once the temp settles?

if the temp stays normal, like you reported then no worries

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Hopefully going for a 1/4 thicker core (1.25”) give or take, helps with the cooling with the hot humid summers here in NESD

 

[Doubeleive]

all i can add is, pop the hood each morning for a few days to make sure the leak is addressed, you can also use a flashlight and look down at the hoses and stuff just to be sure everything is dry. If there are no changes then carry on as normal

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

all i can add is, pop the hood each morning for a few days to make sure the leak is addressed, you can also use a flashlight and look down at the hoses and stuff just to be sure everything is dry. If there are no changes then carry on as normal

I still gotta wipe down the other excess coolant. Will Citrol work on that? It’s not corrosive is it won’t dry or crack the hose will it

 

[Doubeleive]

I still gotta wipe down the other excess coolant. Will Citrol work on that? It’s not corrosive is it won’t dry or crack the hose will it

never used it before, I just use water when dealing with coolant. sometimes any excess coolant spills will be pooled up under the front bumper supports, the ones on the left and right side just under where the fog lights would be, they have a crosshatch black plastic about a inch deep top&bottom so the top will hold liquid, so if any coolant ended up in there it can stay there for days and smell, if so just stick a hose up under there and wash it out.

 

[Fless]

What should I be looking for once the temp settles?

Monitor the temp and if the system doesn't warm up to spec then it would be time to check that. Otherwise you should be good to go.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Got some transmission fluid leaking now…

 

[Doubeleive]

Got some transmission fluid leaking now…
View attachment 451321

probably left over coolant or possibly transmission fluid from the lines being disconnected, transmission fluid would only be on the passenger side, it does not flow thru the entire radiator. wash it all down and monitor.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

probably left over coolant or possibly transmission fluid from the lines being disconnected, transmission fluid would only be on the passenger side, it does not flow thru the entire radiator. wash it all down and monitor.

Right that’s why I was confused to see it on the driver side as well, bc the lines are all the way on the passenger side … maybe fluid migration

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Also the two brackets that the trans line connect to the fans, I wasn’t able to screw them all the way in because the new radiator was a 1/4” thicker.

 

[Doubeleive]

Also the two brackets that the trans line connect to the fans, I wasn’t able to screw them all the way in because the new radiator was a 1/4” thicker.

they should fit, might have to wiggle or bend them at little to get them in the right spot

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

they should fit, might have to wiggle or bend them at little to get them in the right spot

Unless I mounted something wrong but everything fell in place and screwed down just fine

 

[Doubeleive]

Unless I mounted something wrong but everything fell in place and screwed down just fine

those transmission line brackets can generally be tweaked a little if necessary