Small radiator leak?!?
#1
Small radiator leak?!?
I just noticed tonight when I got home, after about a 15 minute drive, a slight leak coming from my radiator or that area. It was a mostly clear, but somewhat cloudy consistency, not much color to it at all. It leaked for maybe 2 to 3 minutes, then stopped, but I did trace it. Any ideas what my issue may be, and more importantly, a solution? Should I be concerned or look to replace the radiator? Please advise. Thanks!
#2
#3
^^^ +1, coolant has a very distinctive odor, one I know I've become accustomed to in my time of owning beaters lol.....Also, is it wet around a general area on or near the rad? Might be a clue as to where the leaking is occurring (something up with a hose or maybe a crack in the rad itself).......
#4
Well, I ended up replacing that radiator because it was in fact leaking. But now, I have a slow leak on the seal of the right (driver) side of the radiator. Is there anything I could put on or in the radiator to seal up the leak in that location, or am I better off to get yet another radiator that doesn't leak already?
#6
Yes, dhvaughn, it is seeping out right there where the metal and plastic meet up on the right (driver) side of the radiator. It does not have a warranty as I bought it used from someone that was parting out a truck to save money. Trying to fix a few things on this ole truck on a budget and not having to spend a whole lot of money, though I'm not having much luck finding a leak free used radiator, so I may end up spending the extra cash and getting a new one with a warranty, unless one of you knows of something that can seal and fix this leak. Thanks!
#7
There are lots of stop-leak chemicals on the market, and not a darn one of them that ought to be used except in dire emergencies. I carry a tube of Aluma-Seal just in case I have one of those dire emergencies, but if my radiator springs a leak when I'm in or near town I'll just buy a new radiator rather than foul my block and heater core with crap.
Some will argue that their favorite leak stopping products don't do that. I won't rebut. Rock Auto can hook you up with a new unit for $106 to $133 -- how much future headache are you willing to risk to save a hundred bucks? Hopefully the answer is zero.
Some will argue that their favorite leak stopping products don't do that. I won't rebut. Rock Auto can hook you up with a new unit for $106 to $133 -- how much future headache are you willing to risk to save a hundred bucks? Hopefully the answer is zero.
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#8
The leak you are experiencing is very common for that type of radiator (plastic side tanks crimped onto an aluminum core). If you plan to keep the truck for a good while, might want to invest in an all-aluminum radiator (aluminum side tanks welded onto the aluminum core), such as the CSF 2969, which is a bolt-in all-aluminum radiator for the Dodge Ram 2nd gen trucks. Price for this style of radiator is fairly reasonable for a radiator that can be repaired if it ever leaks in the future. For more information, check out this thread:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-radiator.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-radiator.html
Last edited by AtomicDog; 08-12-2013 at 07:08 AM.
#9
#10
If you're still in a bind we carry new radiators for your Dodge Ram truck. Here's a link to them for your vehicle. 1998-2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Truck Radiator for V8 5.9L