leaking radiator when cold

SK2003TypeS · 10-09-03, 06:16

Friend of mine has a '97 Ford Escort with about 97K miles on it. About a week ago he noticed a small leak of coolant. About an ounce worth. We had a cool week in NY recently and it only happened on the colder days. He bought some Prestone sealant that you add to the radiator and it's been ok for the past couple of days, but it's been warmer. The garage told him a new radiator would cost him $460+. Anyone have any experience with this Prestone stuff ? Any Comments ? Thanks.

Lowejackson · 10-10-03, 02:22

$460 for a radiator? Is is a hand made exotic alloy unit? That sounds like way to much money.

Either way, get the system pressure tested and see what the results are. Sealents are useful things especially in an emergency but the best thing to do is fix the problem not the symptoms.

Scottwax · 10-10-03, 04:31

Leak stoppers may help for a while, but they are not a permanent repair. $460 for a radiator is a rip off. I got a new all metal one for my Accord for $130.

SK2003TypeS · 10-12-03, 03:06

Thanks guyz ! That quote was from the dealer and price of install. Still a little too much. We'll keep an eye on it.

jchetty · 10-12-03, 07:19

make sure it is the radiator leaking and not one of the **many** small coolant hoses. i would definetly put some water in, let the car run and pinpoint the leak. using water is good this way you dont have to worry if u make a mess. unless the car has been in an accident, i wouldn't be to surprised if the radiator was okay. if you know someone who is good with cars, have them pull your radiator and test it with a garden hose, before you put your detailing money into replacing it.

Lost Pup · 10-13-03, 05:42

The sealants will possibly reduce the heating/cooling capacity of the entire system. They should be completely machine flushed when repairs are made.

I would not use them for long term use on a keeper car, short term emergency only.

Some cars and trucks have enough engineered capacity to deal with losses due to sealers but the smaller cars are built to just meet requirements.

Have a presssure test done , only takes a minute or two and should reveal the leak. If no then a dye test with the black light will show most of the smaller leaks.

Price seems well out of line. I just checked Autozone online and retail is 149.99 for the radiator. Hoses and clamps might be a good idea as well.

Keep an eye on the temp gauge while running the sealant to see if it runs hot.

Good Luck

SK2003TypeS · 10-13-03, 12:12

Thanx again guyz ! I'll have to take a good look at the car/system to see what it really is.

jchetty · 10-13-03, 01:10

if your are going to change the radiator, might as well change the upper and lower radiator hose as well as the thermostat. the price for a upper hose, lower hose, and thermostat will be under $60 and it might as well be done if your going to pull the radiator. make sure to get a ***new*** gasket and not reuse the old one; also make sure to tighten the bolts properly.

Scottwax · 10-13-03, 08:05

Last time I thought I had a radiator leak, it just turned out to be a slightly loose clamp on the upper radiator hose. The only time it would leak was when the engine was cold.