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Radiator leaks are a common symptom of problems in your car's cooling system, which has the important function of keeping the engine cool and preventing it from overheating and shutting down. There are several places to look for radiator leaks that tell you it is time to bring your vehicle into the repair shop in order to fix a problem before it gets worse. If you ignore a leaking radiator, you risk your car shutting down altogether. Spotting Radiator Leaks Early Most radiator leaks leave evidence under the car, so one of the first places you should look for problems is on the ground, near where you park your car. When you move your vehicle out of the garage or out of the driveway, you may see a colorful puddle of radiator fluid. The fluid will typically be a bright green, yellow, or orange, based on the brand of antifreeze in the cooling system, and might look and feel slimy. Radiator fluid is hazardous so make sure to clean your hands and clean up any puddles. The fluid may smell sweet, due to the ethylene glycol in the product. Less Obvious Leaks The leak might originate from several places if you don’t see a puddle on the ground: 1. Water pump. When the shaft seal wears down, coolant may drip from the vent hole located under the water pump pulley shaft or from around o-rings or a gasket. This type of leak results in discoloration or drops of liquid coolant on the outside of the engine or water pump. 2. Radiator. The radiator itself can spring leaks at solder points where hoses are connected, from corrosion that results from not changing coolants, and from damage to the core. 3. Hoses. Rubber hoses crack, harden, split, and develop blisters, bulges, and soft spots. Hot coolants can shoot out holes in the hose or leak from around connections. 4. Freeze plugs. Located in the engine block and/or cylinder head, these flat plugs can corrode from the inside out and develop leaks. 5. Heater core. Positioned under the dashboard, the AC and heating unit can develop leaks that drip on the floor or corrode the heater core. 6. Intake manifold gasket. Leaking in this gasket between the intake manifold and cylinder head allows coolant to invade the intake port or crankcase or drip into the engine. Internal Leaks 1. Bad head gasket. When the head gasket fails, the damage can be widespread, as fluid leaks into the cylinder or the crankcase, where it dilutes oil, damages bearings, and fouls spark plugs. 2. Leaky AFT oil cooler. On cars with automatic transmissions, the automatic transmission fluid (AFT) is routed through an oil cooler in the radiator. Leaks can contaminate the fluid and ruin the transmission. 3. Cracked head or block. A crack in the cylinder can allow coolants to drip into the walls to damage rings and piston, and clog oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter. If you ignore cracks, fluid buildup can hydro-lock the engine so that you cannot start the car. When do you Need Professional Auto Repair Services? If you notice leaks, or experience engine overheating, it is important to get auto repair services as soon as possible. While the leaking you see may indicate the need for radiator repair or replacement, the costs of repairs if you ignore the problem can be much worse. Your visit may uncover something as simple as a loose radiator hose clamp - or something more serious.
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Radiator Repair, Auto Maintenance, Brake Shop, Transmission Repair, Oil Change, Automobile Service, Radiator Leaks, Radiator Symptoms,
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