Brand of radiator

[Geoff6666]

Where do the radiators normally fail? I'm asking because I notice the smell of hot coolant as soon as my engine is up to temp. I'm a bit concerned that it may have a slow leak. I can't find anything and it doesn't lose any coolant, so it's obviously not bad. I was just wondering where I can check it.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Where do the radiators normally fail? I'm asking because I notice the smell of hot coolant as soon as my engine is up to temp. I'm a bit concerned that it may have a slow leak. I can't find anything and it doesn't lose any coolant, so it's obviously not bad. I was just wondering where I can check it.

Mine was the same. I could smell it before I saw it. Mine was at the bottom passenger side where alloy clamps to plastic bottom tank.

 

[daves8]

Mine was the same. I could smell it before I saw it. Mine was at the bottom passenger side where alloy clamps to plastic bottom tank.

I think that’s where mine is

 

[lordsnipe]

Jack and remove the panel under the car which covers the radiator and take a look. I couldn't see much from the top but there was coolant everywhere underneath. I was slowly losing coolant though. Could smell it when hot also.

 

[stooge]

Where do the radiators normally fail? I'm asking because I notice the smell of hot coolant as soon as my engine is up to temp. I'm a bit concerned that it may have a slow leak. I can't find anything and it doesn't lose any coolant, so it's obviously not bad. I was just wondering where I can check it.

look around where the plastic tanks join to the metal parts of the radiator and you will also see the red stuff in the area localized to the leak because air will force it around.

another handy trick is to use a uv light to look around because dexcool is somewhat uv reactive so you can spot leaks/stains a bit easier

Spoiler: uv test

 

[dassaur]

look around where the plastic tanks join to the metal parts of the radiator and you will also see the red stuff in the area localized to the leak because air will force it around.

another handy trick is to use a uv light to look around because dexcool is somewhat uv reactive so you can spot leaks/stains a bit easier

Spoiler: uv test

That's a great tip. Didnt even think about trying that (not that I have a leak atm!)

 

[stooge]

That's a great tip. Didnt even think about trying that (not that I have a leak atm!)

you can do the same with ac leaks too.

 

[Skylarking]

That's a great tip. Didnt even think about trying that (not that I have a leak atm!)

Just be warned you may also find an aircon leak while your looking about…

Ostriches need not worry

PS: pipped at the post by stooge
PPS: hate auto correct for “aircon” to “air on” so manually fixed it

 

[dassaur]

you can do the same with ac leaks too.

Knew this one, sadly due to experience!

 

[daves8]

I have decided to go genuine, and I am also replacing the water pump with a new genuine unit, genuine hoses and thermostat.

Means my whole cooling system should be good for another 8 years!