would a small air leak in the radiator cause overheating? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

FirebirdFanatic · 08-04-2009, 12:45 AM

I've been fighting an overheating problem for the last couple weeks on my 87 5.0 TPI.

When it overheated today, I noticed air/steam escaping from the passenger side of the radiator, on the side of the radiator, 4 inches down from the cap.

I understand that the system has to be pressurized, and this keeps the coolant from boiling - is this leak causing my problem? If so, any way to fix it short of replacement or welding?

thanks!

done so far: replaced radiator cap, replaced thermostat with a new 195*. Checked oil for milky appearance (looks normal).

b4ccamaro · 08-04-2009, 05:14 PM

i would be blaming the radiator for sure. A pressurized cooling system is critical to cooling performance. I would swap the radiator as soon as you could.