Dec 10 2020

4 Steps to Identify and Repair a Leaking Radiator

Why be cold with the radiator of your car? Know how to identify a leak and repair it quickly.

Maintain the Radiator:

Why risk is the engine overheating? You just need to know how to maintain the radiator.

It consists of thin, hollow bundles, which run from the inlet tank to the outlet tank. The radiator is located at the front of the engine.
The coolant is pumped through pipes to reach the running engine, where it is warmed up.
Back in the radiator, it is cooled by the air that passes through the grille as the car moves.
Finally, it comes back through the engine, which it lets run at the optimum temperature.
If the radiator does not perform well, the engine will overheat and problems may start.

1. What to Check:

You need to know when a radiator leak appears.

Under the stationary car, a puddle of green, yellow, or orange coolant betrays a leak.
The temperature gauge can also indicate that the engine is overheating.

2. Find the Leak:

Sometimes steam can be seen coming out of the radiator. This indicates either a tiny leak or a cracked weld.

When the leak is not detectable, wash the radiator and hoses with water, start the engine, and observe for the leak.
The radiator should be inspected for cracks, broken fins, and crusted coolant leaks.
All hoses, including heater pipes, should be inspected for sagging or swelling.
Coolant scabs on the outside of pipes or fittings are a clear indicator of a leak.
Also inspect for leaks: the water pump, the overflow tank, and the exterior of the cylinder head gaskets.
Remember to check if any coolant or water has contaminated the engine oil. Either of these issues requires a visit to the garage.
In case you still can't find the leak, you or your mechanic can use a cooling system pressure tester to test the radiator and cap for leaks.

3. Some Quick Fixes:

In case of a small leak, buy a radiator sealant: in liquid or powder form, it is poured into the radiator when the coolant is still fresh, but the engine is running. This product penetrates into nooks and crannies and seals leak creating a semi-permanent seal.
Another possibility: cold resin. The radiator must be drained and the resin applied when everything is completely dry.
If the leak is in one of the pipes, you can also resort to the most Canadian remedy of all: duct tape.

4. Go to the Bodybuilder:

Unfortunately, the previous solutions are only temporary. You will need to take your car to a body shop to find a permanent solution; either a complete repair or a replacement if the damage is too severe.