Im driving home today when I notice steam starting to pour out from under my hood. I park the car in a neighborhood, pop the hood, and viola, antifreeze splattered about in various places on the drivers side. Thankfully I was about a mile from home, so I let it cool off a little and got it back home, barely. Check the radiator, its pretty much empty. So I fill it up and watch for leaks. It seems the drivers side radior tank is leaking from underneath on the front side of the car. Doesnt take it long to start leaking either. Ideas? Im trying to avoid installing a new radiator if I dont have too.

Car is a 1989 Formula 350.

 

Cheap fix first: check the drainplug on the drivers side. I've seen radiators with drains on both sides, not just on the passenger side. It may have come loose or broken completely. it might explain the quick leaking that happens after filling. It's worth a shot.

 

If your looking to get out of it cheap and that plastic tank on the side is the only thing leaking a lot of radiator shops will be able to replace just the plastic tank and save you money.

 

Well its not so much a leak as it is a....gushing waterfall. After reviewing my options last night, and trying a couple things of pour in sealant, I decided to just put a new radiator in it. The one thats in there now is 15 years old, so a new one couldn't hurt. Gives me an excuse to work on the car anyways.

Thanks for the help.