2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Radiator Leak.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 24, 2013 | 10:45 PM
  #1  
Bernie Haun's Avatar
Bernie Haun
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Default Radiator Leak.

Hey guys I have a '94 Ram 1500 with a 5.2 L v8 Magnum. Lately I've noticed alot of coolant leaking. I found the location of the leak and I thought it was the drain plug. I changed the drain plug last night and its leaking today. The leak is in the lower driver's side of the radiator, by the plug. It doesn't leak all the time but when it does its quite substantial. My engine hasn't been overheating and stays under 200. I've also tried the stop leak stuff(can't remember what its called). Can anyone give me a diagram of a radiator or give me some advice? Thanks again!
PS: I love Dodge
 
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2013 | 11:39 PM
  #2  
TheBigRedTruck's Avatar
TheBigRedTruck
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: New York
Default

It probably has a pinhole in it somewhere, and expands when hot, thus more coolant leaking out. You can solder the radiator I think. I opted to replace mine.
 
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2013 | 11:51 PM
  #3  
ryan0714's Avatar
ryan0714
Record Breaker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 1
Default

when in doubt just replace the whole radiator man. the sealers and stuff like that dont tend to work
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 08:12 AM
  #4  
AtomicDog's Avatar
AtomicDog
Champion
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,868
Likes: 434
From: Central VA
Default

The factory radiators used plastic tanks on each side crimped and glued to the aluminum core. There is likely a crack in the plastic tank near the drain plug. The best fix is to replace the radiator with an all-aluminum radiator, especially if you plan to keep the truck awhile, as the all-aluminum radiator is slightly more expensive than a factory style radiator. CSF makes one - part number 2969. Do a quick google search for it, as several vendors still have them available. This radiator is a bolt-in swap for the factory radiator.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 11:44 AM
  #5  
chromed95's Avatar
chromed95
Captain
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 607
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Default

personally, my advice is to never use that stop leak crap. If it does work it's just a bandaid and may cause bigger problems down the road. Sounds like it's shiny new radiator time
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 04:56 PM
  #6  
Bernie Haun's Avatar
Bernie Haun
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Default

Welp yeah, new(er) radiator it is then. Good thing I've got a bigger paycheck than usual coming Thanks for the help guys.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 07:57 PM
  #7  
sully5981's Avatar
sully5981
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Tucson
Default

looks like I am in the same boat as you, Just fixed my plenum today but i think my fat *** (or the fan shroud) poked the radiator and now there in a pin sized hole when it is not hot leaking fluid smack dab in the middle of the radiator. Good news is the plenum seems to be good.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 08:25 PM
  #8  
dhvaughan's Avatar
dhvaughan
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
Default

Originally Posted by AtomicDog
The factory radiators used plastic tanks on each side crimped and glued to the aluminum core. There is likely a crack in the plastic tank near the drain plug. The best fix is to replace the radiator with an all-aluminum radiator, especially if you plan to keep the truck awhile, as the all-aluminum radiator is slightly more expensive than a factory style radiator. CSF makes one - part number 2969. Do a quick google search for it, as several vendors still have them available. This radiator is a bolt-in swap for the factory radiator.
this all-aluminum version is great, but its been discontinued and may not be available much longer. get em while they last.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-radiator.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CSF-2969-Radiator-/370891651660?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item565add7a4c&vxp=mtr
 

Last edited by dhvaughan; Sep 25, 2013 at 08:31 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 09:44 PM
  #9  
Bernie Haun's Avatar
Bernie Haun
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Default

Hey guys, I went out and took some time too seriously look at my truck's radiator today. On the left side of the radiator where it becomes cylindrical, is the leak. The leak is at the base. It seems to be there is some sort of rubber bushing or seal. This is where the leak is actually coming from. My truck doesn't leak any anti-freeze when i'm simply just running it in my yard, even at operating temp. I'm theorizing that when i'm driving and I hit a bump some movement is caused in this bushing and I leak some anti-freeze. What do you guys think?
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2013 | 10:12 PM
  #10  
dhvaughan's Avatar
dhvaughan
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 10
From: Gainesville, Ga.
Default

can you post a pic?
the radiator sits in a rubber bushing, but it's supposed to be a sealed system with no rubber seams or leaks
 
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:54 PM.