Question:
I have a small drip at the drivers side radiator plug in the bottom of the radiator. It only leaks about 12 hrs after driving it. No leak when warm only overnight I get maybe 1/2 oz of anti freeze dripping out of this area.
Cooling system seems normal during drive, fans come on and it stays in the normal range.
Something to be concerned about? Should I try to tighten the drain plug? Is the system overfilled and it’s an overflow?
Thanks All! Jeff
Answer by: Alex Macevicios
Need to verify where the leak is before just tightening something. Unfortunately the cars are getting older and a 25 year old radiator may have sprung a small leak that only may get worse. Best to have it pressure tested and have leak verified, you should always be concerned about coolant leaks since the system is under a good deal of pressure.
Answer by: Chuck Tator
Your cooling system to the radiator cap want to be full and any “overflow” should go into your overflow tank in the nose below your right headlight which wants to be filled half way..
I agree with Alex, pressure check the cooling system first. Also be VERY careful with that drain plug! That plug after 25 years will be corroded in the bung that is soldered to the bottom of the radiator tank. If it is and you go and tighten it, you may tare the bung out of the tank?
What we have be finding is the tanks start to leak from the core and the coolant runs down to that plug. If the tank to core is leaking and you have to remove the radiator, now is the time to do a nice upgrade. If you have a GOOD radiator shop near you, have them re-core your radiator with a three row core. The stock radiators on GENI’s & GENII’s come with a two row core. The tanks will take three row core and it looks and fits like a stock radiator. It is a huge advantage in getting rid of the heat!
