Your radiator, like many parts of your vehicle, takes a beating every day. As antifreeze circulates through the engine, the generated heat dissipates, allowing the engine to run at extremely high revolutions for long periods. Needless to say, there’s a lot of heat output. It’s incredible what a pounding your radiator takes. The cooling system must be in top shape to handle it.
If your vehicle overheats, your engine is in trouble, and many parts of your car can be damaged including the engine, gaskets, thermostat, and other parts of the cooling system. The radiator could be damaged too. It’s important to know how to fix a radiator leak before the car overheats.
Why Is the Radiator Important?
A radiator is the key component of the engine’s cooling system. Its main role is to disperse a mix of antifreeze and water throughout its fins, which releases some of the engine’s heat while taking in cool air before continuing to pass the rest of the engine.
Alongside the radiator is the spur line, water pump, and fan clutch. Each of these plays a different role in aiding the radiator to keep the engine cool. The spur line dispatches warm coolant to the heater core to produce hot air when needed, while the water pump sends the coolant to flow throughout the engine.
Most importantly is the role of the fan clutch, which is to bring more air into the radiator and help lower the temperature of the antifreeze and water mixture.
What Causes A Radiator To Leak?
Below are some common causes that you should look out for to maintain a healthy radiator.
#1. Corrosion.
The leading and most common cause of radiator leaks is corrosion and rust brought on by consistent exposure to heat and pressure. Consequently, cracks form in the radiator which results in holes developing and in turn, causes coolant to leak out.
The leading and most common cause of radiator leaks is corrosion and rust brought on by consistent exposure to heat and pressure. Consequently, cracks form in the radiator which results in holes developing and in turn, causes coolant to leak out.
Replacing a car radiator can cost $600-$900, in a truck it may be a couple of hundred dollars more. The radiator itself is about $100 of that.
#2. A Faulty Radiator Gasket.
The radiator gasket, which is located between the radiator and the coolant tank, prevents coolant from leaking out. So, when it wears out, coolant rapidly escapes from the tank which severely decreases the effective cooling properties of any remaining fluid.
This vital part of the cooling system needs to be replaced by a professional immediately before severe overheating occurs.
#3. Poor Service Practices.
Poor service practices can harm the radiator. As an example, overfilling the radiator leads to leaks due to increased water pressure. Keep in mind the impact of service-related issues on radiator health.
#4. A Worn Radiator Cap.
Another vital part is the radiator cap which literally locks the coolant inside the radiator and keeps unwanted elements out. Like other parts of the radiator, the cap is impacted by heat and pressure which wears it down over time. While a worn-out cap might not lead directly to a leak, it’s always helpful to get it checked during regular maintenance and/or replaced.
#5. A Malfunctioning Water Pump.
The water pump pushes the coolant through the hoses to the engine and back to the radiator. Without the pump, the fluid will not circulate to cool the engine and release its heat through the radiator.
Driven by a belt and hanging down near the ground, the water pump attaches to the lower hose of the radiator. If the connection with the hose loosens or the pump corrodes or gets hit by road debris, it can spring a hole that causes coolant to leak. If you see the radiator leaking from the bottom, that is often the result of the water pump.
Debris can also clog the water pump and prevent the smooth flow of coolant through it, building up pressure inside the pump and causing a breach. Even if this does not cause a leak, an inoperable water pump will not circulate coolant, allowing the engine to overheat.
A new water pump costs about $50, but the cost to replace it at a service station varies depending on how and where the pump is attached. The total cost varies from $200 to $800, with the average near the lower end.
#6. A Cracked Reservoir.
The plastic tank that supplies the coolant to the radiator via hoses is also subject to wear and tear. The container itself, its cap, or the connection point with hoses can all crack and begin to leak. The tank costs $150-$200; it takes about an hour of labor to replace it, for a total of $250-$300 at a service station.
Finding Coolant Leaks
Often, finding a coolant leak is simple, as you can see fluid dripping from beneath your vehicle’s hood. You may also notice bubbles in the coolant reservoir or at a hose connection. You must be careful when checking fluid levels, though.
If the engine is not completely cool before you remove the radiator cap, you may suffer a serious burn from escaping steam or hot coolant. Therefore, you should never open the radiator cap or the coolant reservoir when your car’s engine is hot.
Typically, a coolant leak presents itself in just a few ways. For example, your vehicle’s engine may overheat. If this happens, the temperature gauge on your instrument panel is likely to move upward, perhaps into the red zone. You may also notice steam coming from under your hood. Or, your vehicle may stall. If your car has a low-coolant indicator light, it may also illuminate.
To locate a coolant leak, first look for puddles of coolant beneath your vehicle. If you see any, you probably have fluid dripping from somewhere in the system. With the car’s engine running, look under the hood to see if you notice any fluid flowing out.
If you do, trace the fluid to its source. Do not forget to check hose connections and components for leaks. Allowing your vehicle to climb to normal operating temperature and turning on the air conditioner increases pressure in your coolant system. This procedure may allow you to more easily detect a coolant leak.
If you cannot see a leak but you are losing coolant, you may need to perform a coolant pressure test. A pressure tester is a hand-held tool that allows you to gauge the pressure inside your cooling system. If you have low pressure, you probably have a leak somewhere.
How To Stop A Radiator Leak?
Some commonly used fixes to stop a radiator leak are:
#1. Radiator Stop Leak Products.
One effective solution for stopping radiator leaks is the use of radiator-stop leak products. These products, available in various forms, such as powders or liquids, work by sealing small cracks and holes in the radiator. They offer a temporary fix, buying time for more permanent solutions.
#2. Seal Your Radiator Leak.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can attempt to seal a radiator leak yourself. Products like epoxy or specially designed radiator repair kits can be used to patch up small leaks. This method is a temporary solution and should be followed by professional repairs for a lasting fix.
#3. Professional Repairs.
For a more permanent solution, seeking professional help is advisable. A certified mechanic can identify the root cause of the radiator leak and perform the necessary repairs. This may involve replacing damaged components or the entire radiator, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting fix.