leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Today I discovered I have a coolant leak on the passenger side.

The leak seems to be coming from the lower radiator hose (the one with the mesh) but I can't tell for sure as it is pretty much spaghetti down there. I'm not getting drips on the concrete but clearly getting splotches, seepage and spray on the passenger side of the engine hoses.

The coolant is on the horizontal frame under the lower hose and the oil cooler hoses are wet on the underside. The spray will go as far as the "A" arm bushings but not past the center of the engine.

I cleaned it up a few times so I could put an eyeball on it to locate the leak. I can not seem to re create the leak at idle or low rpms. Now, if I take her out and get on it a bit, I pop the hood and I have coolant all over the general area.

My question... is there a "typical" place in that lower radiator hose area that leaks that I need to be checking?

I had a bit of coolant on the radiator, but I can't tell if that is the cause of the leak or just the over spray.

I'm typically not one to throw parts at a situation but I ordered a full set of hoses from Jerry's as PM and hopefully to solve my issue. The hoses are original so they need to be replaced anyway.

Anything else that need to check?

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Bill,
Although I would simply replace the lower hose ( because you have them)and go from there, here is the proper way.

Mityvac MV4560 Radiator/Cooling System and Pressure Test Kit



s/b $50.00 or less

:cheers:
Marty

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Check the Heater Coolant Return fitting at the Thermostat Housing

Heater Return Fitting

Rather than just idle and low rpm.......rev it up and check from above as someone revs it up a bit.
The Radiator Drain Plug might also be a place but in general it could be any one of the lower radiator hose ends from water pump to thermostat housing or between thermostat housing and radiator. Or as Ted suggests....the Water Pump.

Speaking of the Radiator Drain Plug.....my worst leak ever was a coolant leak from a new Ron Davis Radiator I mistakenly installed the provided Aluminum Allen Head Drain Plug (with Permatex). NEVER Install an Aluminum Plug in a Aluminum Radiator......it would not stop leaking and had a time trying to remove it as it galled the threads. After re-threading and installing a Brass Plug....with Permatex....same thing....would NOT stop leaking.

So.....I got a nice clean second 1/4 inch Brass Plug and applied Blue Loctite over night before refilling radiator. NO LEAKS.

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Check the water pump weep hole. The belt can sling the coolant all around.

Ted

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them.

I'm going to dig around tomorrow a bit and see if I can find the problem, before I tackle the whole hose mess. My guess is that the hole is small and just started so it won't leak (lots) until under pressure.

The lower hose seems to rest on the frame and may have worn through after time?

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Bill,
Besides all the other recommendations, if I can suggest my best friend the digital inspection camera.

http://m.harborfreight.com/digital-i...not%20provided

It is amazing where you can get to and see with this. It has a mirror, hook, and magnet too. Handy for leaks and getting dropped bolts and stuff. I know Cliff has one for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

I bought a Stant coolant system pressure tester decades ago and it has been my best tool investment ever, I can't tell you how many times I've used it and it always helps.

https://images.thetoolwarehouse.net/.../STA-12270.jpg

Craig, thanks for this suggestion. Looks like I might have a new favorite tool. :-)

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

So, this today, I'll presure test the system---cold. Hopefully it will show me my problem.

Questions... is it better to pressure test from the radiator cap or the coolant reservoir cap?

Logic tells me that either side will work, but is there a preferred methods and why?

Thanks!

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Great minds are thinking! Thanks!

Re: leaky radiator hose diagnosis please
 

Good question. Do both hold pressure? I can't remember.

The Stant tester tests both the system and the cap(s). So, I suggest first test the radiator caps to see what pressure they release at. Then, if you find the cap releases pressure at, say, 15 lb., then pressure test the system at 2-3 lb. higher.

By watching the needle (how fast it drops), you'll also see if you have a big or small leak.