Radiator Leak

A leaking radiator can lead to serious engine damage by preventing the engine from being cooled. The loss of coolant through a leak will make it difficult for the remaining coolant to dissipate engine heat.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Coolant Leak
  • 1.2 Coolant Loss
  • 1.3 Coolant Does Not Return from Reservoir
  • 1.4 Engine Overheating
  • 1.5 Heater Blows Cold Air
  • 1.6 Temperature Gauge Rises Steadily

Symptoms

Coolant Leak

The most obvious symptom of a radiator leak is the appearance of coolant under the vehicle. Coolant can be green, orange, or bright pink. It should smell a little sweet and feel like greasy water.

Depending on where the leak has formed, coolant may or may not appear on the ground. For example, a leak in the bottom of the radiator will likely result in a puddle. On the other hand, a leak near the top of the radiator may only allow coolant to escape while the engine is running. Sometimes you can see coolant in the fins of the radiator if it has evaporated due to a hot engine or radiator. This is still a leak even if it is not pooling

Coolant Loss

With a small leak in the radiator, there may not be enough coolant leaking to for a puddle. Over time, the coolant resevoir level will drop, triggering a "Low Coolant" light on some vehicles, or a slowly raising temperature gauge.

Coolant Does Not Return from Reservoir

Almost all vehicles utilize a coolant overflow reservoir or recovery tank and a pressure cap to maintain proper coolant levels while under pressure. A leak in the radiator can alter the flow from the reservoir to the radiator. The coolant would expand and be pushed out of the radiator as the pressure rises, however the leak prevents a sufficient vacuum from forming to draw the coolant back to the radiator.

Engine Overheating

One of the primary causes of an engine overheating is a lack of coolant. If an engine continually runs hot, there may be a leak in the cooling system.

Heater Blows Cold Air

Since coolant flowing through the heater core warms the air, a significant loss of coolant would result in a reduction of heated air.

Inspection of the cooling system may be required, if no leaks are found, than a malfunctioning thermostat, or internally leaking head gasket could be the cause of a lack of heat.

Temperature Gauge Rises Steadily

A perpetual rise in the temperature gauge signifies an inability for the engine to remove its heat. A reduction in coolant levels through a leak would make coolant cycle through the engine faster, preventing it from removing all of its heat before returning to the engine.

See also: Thermostat stuck closed, Radiator Fan Malfunction, Leaking Water Pump,