shaffdizzy

Hey y'all,

I just bought my 1985 Trans Am WS6. I bought it from an old man who has had it since new and kept it garaged its whole life. Been eyeing the car for two years and he sold it to me this week for 2400.00. Always a Georgia Car and only has 82k, on the odometer. I found the build sheet in the map pocket and sent it in. Also, found the owners manual and a pamphlet for the goodyear tire, and AC Delco original radio. Anyways,... on to my question. The guy told me that he had the hoses replace a year ago and they do look new. I noticed when I bought it that the coolant reservoir was empty. I got it home, topped it off and went for a ride. When I got home I parked it in the garage and the next morning there was coolant on the garage floor, and not a small amount. I can't figure out what the problem is... the radiator stayed full when I checked it before filling the reservoir. So what would make it leak all the coolant out of the reservoir, but keep the radiator full!? I'm at work right now and couldnt fool with it this morning, I just thought the thirdgen gear heads know this vehicle inside and out and might know something that I don't. BTW I have the LG4 305. And why does it leak when the car is off!? Thanks fellas.

thebuffalo

Look at the bottom of the radiator and check the hoses there, check the hose that connects to your water pump, and the hose on top of the intake manifold. Then check the hose that goes from the cap to the overflow tank ( reservoir ). If all of those hoses are good, take the tank off and see if its cracked? If the radiator is full and the tank is empty and you had the tank full, its probably cracked.

Also did you run the car after you filled it and topped it off while running?

shaffdizzy

No, I drove the car to the autoparts store, filled it there while the engine was off, but hot. Then drove it home. The next morning when my roommate warmed it up, (I was letting him take it to show off to my dad who he works for) I noticed the coolant on the garage floor. Would it leak all over if it was overfilled?

thebuffalo

Well if your radiator was full and the coolant reservoir was empty, check the reservoir for cracks.

89RsPower!

Yes, the overflow bottles are designed to allow coolant to drain out if the fluid level becomes to high in the tank regardless of the cause (I.e. overfilled cooling system or overheating. In a properly functioning cooling system that is filled to the proper level the coolant should be level with the cold level when cold and the hot level when at operating temperature. If the radiator is full and the system is full and free of air simply fill the res to the cold level when the vehicle has had time to cool down completely. If the tank is empty and leaking first check the tank itself for cracks, then check the hose from the tank to the radiator as well as the clamps for leaks or cracks.

shaffdizzy

Found the leak, it is on the drivers side of the radiator... check this pic out.

t-top havoc

iTrader: (3)

Just me or pic didn't work?

shaffdizzy

Sorry the pic didn't upload. I orderned a new radiator and am going to install myself. Quick question... On the 1985 LG4 motor I have a belt driven fan. Is this fan going to need to be removed to install a new radiator, or just the fan shroud and the radiator comes out seperate from the fan. My old camaro TBI, had the fan assembly attached to the radiator. Is this motor the same case? Thanks guys...