Re: Radiator Question (archive)

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My old radiator had a small crack in the upper part of the left hand tank. All around the crack it was moist but not visibly leaking. My new radiator appears to be leaking all down the seam between the left-hand plastic tank and the aluminum core. The make is Nissen from Finland (I think). I cannot see any mositure, just a thin line of mineral deposits from the top to the bottom of the radiator. It is without doubt a manufacturing fault but unfortunately I just noticed the problem and the radiator warranty has just expired.

Is your aftermarket radiator a CSF brand? My CSF radiator has been replaced under warranty for the same problem. My radiator leaked out the front seam between the plastic tank and the aluminum grill. Easiest way to see it was to undue the upper radiator clips and lean the radiator forward a bit to look for wetness. Another tip, you can see the green coolant with a black light if your are using that stuff. I don't know about the red coolant. Also when the radiator leaks at the front, sometimes if you get under the car and look at the metal frame that is directly below the radiator some of the plastic clips that stick through will have moisture on them. This is the easiest way to see if the front leaks. Usually I can find a little moisture here even if it isn't leaking on the ground yet.

A common failure for the radiator is the upper part of the left (driver's side) tank. In my case (13 months ago), the plastic tank had a hairline crack which seeped a little but did not lose any water. You can tell if it is seeping as you will see small mineral deposits. Another possible problem source is where the transmission cooling lines enter the radiator, again on the left tank. Sometimes these can also weep.

As the cooling system is under pressure, I decided to replace the radiator. Initially, I tried to have the left tank replaced locally but the tank is crimped to the core and the local repair guy ended up cracking the new tank while trying to crimp it to the core.

Let me know if I can be of any more help. I am fairly familiar with the cooling system since I had to diagnose an overheating problem earlier this year (which turned out to be a leaking head gasket).

Alex,
I have a coolant smell coming from the front of
the car when I put it in the garage for the night.
Can't seem to find a leak path.
May be losing a little coolant..checking the reservoir over time.
Haven't changed the heater core yet but smell seems to be well forward in car.
Any thoughts on this one?...possible hairline
crack in one of the radiator plastic fittings?
Let me know if you have any ideas.
Thanks.
George

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