Losing Coolant and FAST!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Car: 6.7 Powerstroke
Losing Coolant and FAST!
Ive researched this thread and really haven't been able to pin point my problem. Im also assuming that every problem is different for every car as well. My thing is im loosing a lot of coolant, and fast. Ill fill up my overflow to the cold line and then add alittle more (usually a 50/50 mix) and ill drive it to and from work (4 miles round trip) and itll be completely. Also, my car is steaming from the upper hose inlet. Its leaking from underneath my radiator. The car isnt overheating, just that its leaking really bad. I bought some of that leak stop stuff, i just wanted to know if that really works or should i just get it pressure tested? Lemme know.
-3rd
-3rd
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 115
From: belle fourche,s.d.
Car: '82 z28
Engine: L83 5.7
Transmission: 700r4-1985
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
sure sounds like a cracked radiator tank-might be able
to replace the tank(did this repair on an olds aurora,
got the tank at the dealer-far cheaper than a whole
radiator in that case)or just replace the radiator.
I have seen JBweld used to succesfully repair plastic
radiator tanks,but job would have to be done just right
to replace the tank(did this repair on an olds aurora,
got the tank at the dealer-far cheaper than a whole
radiator in that case)or just replace the radiator.
I have seen JBweld used to succesfully repair plastic
radiator tanks,but job would have to be done just right
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: NYC
Car: 82,83,99 T/As
Engine: 350,350,383
Transmission: ST-10,700r4,4l60e
Axle/Gears: P-3.23,P-3.42?,P-4.10
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Definitely wouldn't bother fixing it. Just buy a replacement rad from the forum or craigslist. You can get it for cheap. That is, if that is your problem. Don't drive around with leaking coolant.
The leak stop stuff is trash. Return it. Cheap replacement rad from a later model Thirdgen is a better fix.
I got mine for like $25.
Also, what is the upper hose inlet? Do you mean the thermostat neck? If so, it could be that your tstat is stuck closed, causing back pressure. This could cause the steaming and too much pressure blew a hole somewhere in the line or rad causing you to lose fluid. I'd definitely look where it leaking from exactly. Replace the stat, hoses and if necessary, your rad.
Good luck.
The leak stop stuff is trash. Return it. Cheap replacement rad from a later model Thirdgen is a better fix.
I got mine for like $25.
Also, what is the upper hose inlet? Do you mean the thermostat neck? If so, it could be that your tstat is stuck closed, causing back pressure. This could cause the steaming and too much pressure blew a hole somewhere in the line or rad causing you to lose fluid. I'd definitely look where it leaking from exactly. Replace the stat, hoses and if necessary, your rad.
Good luck.
Last edited by KnightmareCS; Dec 18, 2010 at 11:09 PM.
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 72
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Remove the t-stat and place it in a pot of water on the stove. Heat the water with a thermometer in it. Observe the t-stat opening (or not) at the correct temperature per the thermometer.
Find your leak first. A replacement radiator is ~$100 from Advance/AZ/Etc. Make sure it's the radiator and not one of the hoses or connections.
Do not use any stop leak. When you've fixed your leak, drain all of your coolant out and replace with the proper coolant mixture.
Find your leak first. A replacement radiator is ~$100 from Advance/AZ/Etc. Make sure it's the radiator and not one of the hoses or connections.
Do not use any stop leak. When you've fixed your leak, drain all of your coolant out and replace with the proper coolant mixture.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 (H)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
He has a coolant leak, why are we checking the thermostat? And even if it was an issue, a thermostat is 10 bucks, just replace it!
OP - Pressure test your cooling system and replace whats broken. Simple as that. Don't use any stop leak or JB weld or any of that **** - fix it or don't. Half assing things only causes problems down the road.
OP - Pressure test your cooling system and replace whats broken. Simple as that. Don't use any stop leak or JB weld or any of that **** - fix it or don't. Half assing things only causes problems down the road.
Trending Topics
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 72
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: lake orion mich
Car: 1984 ta slightly modified
Engine: 350
Transmission: auto 350 w/reverse valve body
Axle/Gears: 410 ratio
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
I agree with them, fix the leak. Is this the original rad or has it been replaced or do you know?
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Car: 6.7 Powerstroke
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Owner I bought it from says it was replaced. Its a two core aluminum radiator (so he says, dont know if it is or isn't). Im getting the system pressure tested on Monday by my friend. Hopefully this will answer a lot of questions. Unfortunatley my dad was trying to help me out and put the liquid aluminum stuff in....so if theres still a leak i might just be replacing everything. Nice little Christmas gift to me.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: lake orion mich
Car: 1984 ta slightly modified
Engine: 350
Transmission: auto 350 w/reverse valve body
Axle/Gears: 410 ratio
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Could be a number of things from a simple loose clamp to needing a new rad. Not to hard to figure out if you got the right tools. Good luck
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Car: 6.7 Powerstroke
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Found out that it was the radiator that was leaking. Guy said that the tstat was closed and caused a hole in the radiator. Dang. Looks like a new cooling system for me.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Car: 6.7 Powerstroke
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
So pulled the radator out, that was no problem. Took it to a local radiator welding/cleaning shop, and the guy said he can fix it. Next, he told me about the electrolysis that's been eating away at my radiator. He showed me this black suit looking deposits on the upper and lower inlet of the radiator. Guy did say its a 2- core aluminum and ive put a ground on the radiator awhile ago and its still causing the electrolysis. Now, I dont know of anything possible that would cause this or what could. Anyone have any knowledge of electrolysis or how to test/fix it. Lemme know.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: NYC
Car: 82,83,99 T/As
Engine: 350,350,383
Transmission: ST-10,700r4,4l60e
Axle/Gears: P-3.23,P-3.42?,P-4.10
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
WAYS TO PREVENT ELECTROLYSIS:
Unfortunately, only the careful monitoring and proper maintenance of your cooling and electrical system can really prevent electrolysis from destroying your system. ALWAYS make sure the radiator is not used as a ground and that all components are functioning properly. Periodically test your system and check for any discoloration or pinholes – especially around the tube-to-header joints and tubes near the center of the core by the electric fan mounts.
Testing for Electrolysis? You will need to test the voltage in your cooling system to see if it has been affected by electrolysis.
First, you must attach the negative lead of a volt meter to the battery ground. Next, place the positive lead of the volt meter into the coolant inside the radiator caring to not making contact with the filler neck. Thirdly, if the result is greater than 0.10 V, it's positive for electrical currents flowing through you car part system. Next, keep checking the voltage readings between the engine and the coolant by touching the negative lead to other auto parts respectively. Lastly, duplicate the previous steps with the positive lead touching the radiator in lieu of the coolant.
First, you must attach the negative lead of a volt meter to the battery ground. Next, place the positive lead of the volt meter into the coolant inside the radiator caring to not making contact with the filler neck. Thirdly, if the result is greater than 0.10 V, it's positive for electrical currents flowing through you car part system. Next, keep checking the voltage readings between the engine and the coolant by touching the negative lead to other auto parts respectively. Lastly, duplicate the previous steps with the positive lead touching the radiator in lieu of the coolant.
Good luck and happy new year!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 72
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
The simplest way to prevent electrolysis and corrosion within the cooling system is to raise the pH of the coolant. Amazingly enough....store-bought anti-freeze provides this benefit. Who knew???
Just re-fill your system with the proper mix of antifreeze and water and flush it once a year...If only the previous owners were as responsible as you.
Random pic of current project:
Just re-fill your system with the proper mix of antifreeze and water and flush it once a year...If only the previous owners were as responsible as you.
Random pic of current project:
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Car: 6.7 Powerstroke
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Umm anyone know how to properly flush the cooling system out? I figured id take out the tstat and flush it through there? Any suggestions, lemme know.
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 72
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
Drain the block from one of the block drain plugs then flush. Just run water through the block and radiator until it comes out clean. Be sure to re-fill with the proper mix of coolant and water for corrosion protection.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 3
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
bro if u dont have to do a coolant change dont do it. i did mine the right way and ran to all kinds of problems. all of a sudden there was leaks all over. all hoses and just cuz i did the fluid change. ill replace one hose then the other hose whill leak.
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 72
From: Lexington, SC
Car: 1987 SC/1985 TA
Engine: 350/vortec/fitech
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9-bolt
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
The proper mixture should be listed on the anti-freeze jug for your climate.
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,915
Likes: 40
From: Far West
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 Tuned Port Injection, for now.
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Posi - 3.23
Re: Losing Coolant and FAST!
He has a coolant leak, why are we checking the thermostat? And even if it was an issue, a thermostat is 10 bucks, just replace it!
OP - Pressure test your cooling system and replace whats broken. Simple as that. Don't use any stop leak or JB weld or any of that **** - fix it or don't. Half assing things only causes problems down the road.
OP - Pressure test your cooling system and replace whats broken. Simple as that. Don't use any stop leak or JB weld or any of that **** - fix it or don't. Half assing things only causes problems down the road.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
