Sprung a leak

[BOBA]

Just noticed this. Been smelling coolant for a while now, which isn't a big deal, I'm used to smelling "hot engine", so didn't take notice. But today I see I've got a leak on my radiator, I think it's the lower. Can't be leaking that much since my coolant level is good, but it's got a droplet about dead center at the bottom where it meets the hard rubber scoop/deflector thing.

Any ideas as to a good way to fix this? I'm hoping that there is a line somewhere that is loose, but I don't see anything in the general area of the leak, unless it's trickling down from somewhere else.

Also, is the scoop bolted in a way that if the bolts were loose it would cause such a leak? That's my best thought so far as to where it's coming from.

 

[blk00z28]

Re: Sprung a leak

I dont think a/the scoop would be bolted directly to the lower. I would think it would be on its own brackets somehow? (dont quote me on that, as people are different.)

Best way, if its a hole. Have it welded up. Depending on how bad/good it looks inside it you might want to think about a new one (just some thoughts in there for you. )

 

[BOBA]

Re: Sprung a leak

I've tried looking everything over, and can't find anything. I still get a bit of the hot coolant aroma, but I haven't had it visably leak again since I posted. I can't even see any signs that it ever leaked, so it could be so slow that it's getting burned off before it can drip.

I'm wondering if there is some sort of overflow that releases coolant rather than going back to the catch. I don't know, not a big worry, but it's the only thing remotely wrong at the moment. I need my oldsmobile back, I need to fix something.

Right now, I'm just keeping a close eye on the coolant level, hasn't changed... or if it has, not by any significant amount.

 

[mjaugus]

Re: Sprung a leak

Pressure test???

 

[BOBA]

Re: Sprung a leak

I checked the pressure, didn't seem too low or too high, read on the high side of the "green"... I thinks thats about 25... really don't quote me on that, I don't usually bother to read the numbers unless it's outside of the "average" band on my guage.

Just in case, what is the proper pressure for that, I did a quick search and didn't see it. I'll re-check it to be on the safe side(and get my numbers right)

 

[dhorsman2000]

Re: Sprung a leak

mjaugus is talking about having your coolant system pressure tested. What that does is applies higher than normal pressure to the system and then you can look to see where the coolant is coming from. I had a very small leak at the turbo coolant line where it "L's" into the front of the motor. Couldn't see it leak unless you had a pressure tester on it, but it would leak while driving....