coolant dripping... new rad?

Lower_Level · 01-21-2009, 05:32 PM

Had the "Check Coolant Level" message appear on my 325's OBC 2 weeks ago & upon check, it wdas down. So I topped it up with some pre-mix & checked the strength (good to -20 c); which I thought would be alright for the time being, and after I bought some more antifreeze I could bump it up some. Wasn't planning on the glacial freeze that our area's been experiencing for the last week or so.

So I had the message pop up again, and sure enough it was down again! I pulled it into the garage, filled it up & had a crawl underneath to see if I could tell what's going on. My first fear was head gasket; but when I got under the car, I could see a drip starting to form. It's leaking (from best I can tell) between the aluminum portion of the rad & the black plastic tank on the passenger side. I can't see anywhere that it's leaking from higher up (recovery reservoir, hoses etc). It's not a steady stream, but it's definately leaking. I'm thinking that with the -30 days we had last week, maybe the tank developed an expansion crack?

Is anything on there a replaceable part, or am I now in the market for a new rad?

e30_kid89 · 01-21-2009, 05:55 PM

Are you sure its not the expansion tank? or a loose/cracked hose?

I have a good used rad for cheap if you need one.

Lower_Level · 01-21-2009, 08:18 PM

thanks for the offer. I'll keep it in mind.

It's supposed to be a little warmer for the next few days so maybe my motivation to be outside will be better and I can get a better look at what's going on...

Has anyone ever tried any of those liquid stop-leak jugs to fix small coolant leaks? Saw one from Prestone that is supposedly compatible with all types of coolant. I'm thinking of maybe trying one, but a little worried that it may cause other problems...