YIKES! Out of the clear blue, Vicky started leaking from radiator!

[BillEbob]

I haven't driven the Vicky for a few days -- (back's been killing me!) and went into garage last night to work on her horn. Discovered a good sized "puddle" under her, stuck my finger in it and it would appear to be engine coolant. Got under as best as I could and see a drop at a time dripping from a bolt (?) underneath the radiator and in the center (side to side).

P.O. (Previous Owner) told me he had the radiator re-cored a year ago. What could this be then?

Disgruntled Bill

[Mike Peters]

If the radiator had been out of the car a year ago, check your hose clamps on the lower water pipe. Place your finger on each of the two hoses and see if they are . wet. If lower pipe is dry, then you got a leak somewhere in your radiator. If the pipe is wet, tighten those 4 clamps for all you are worth and hope it seals. Otherwise, you may have to drain and redo the hoses and clamps. The modern air craft hose clamps will tighten much better than original style radiator hose clamps. good luck

[BillEbob]

Thanks Mike, will do!

Bill

[art ebeling]

I agree with Mike but also make sure the bottom hose and clamp are not too far foward on the radiator where it is not round. Mine was and I moved the hose back a bit to the round part and the clamp tightened up and stopped the drip.

[art ebeling]

Here is a picture of what I was refering to.

[[email protected]]

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I just put my fresh rebuilt rebabitted engine back into my 30 Tudor the other week and was having issues getting the hoses positioned just right for no leaks. Noticed then that the brand new hoses from one of the major vendors were cut a lot shorter than what was taken off. This started a good conversation on how manufacturers can cut costs or boost their profit 1 inch at a time.

Also ended up using "Sex Lube" AstraGlide Silicone Lubricant to help position the hoses properly. This is better on the rubber hoses then vaseline or soap and also will not cement the hoses to the pipes/radiator over time. Makes it easier on you in the future.

Also check the pipes just to make sure that the radiator pipes have not been crushed to being out of round.... I have seen that a lot over the years and had to resort to hammering in a large socket to form them back into shape.

[Dino's A]

I know some might cringe to hear this but those original hose clamp are terrible for sealing leaks. If there is any paint that is rough where you tighten them, it may leak. If you use those repo hoses, beware they are a very hard rubber composition and that makes them leak. Solution? I put a very small amount of Permatex No. 2 inside the hose and it seals just fine. Sanding down the area smooth is also a good idea.

DO NOT EVER USE ANY SILICONE BASED SEALERS. It might flake off and mess with your core. Peramatex stays put, does not flake off.

My jeep has 4 separate hoses, and it drives me nuts!

[BillEbob]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Also ended up using "Sex Lube" AstraGlide (sic) Silicone Lubricant to help position the hoses properly. This is better on the rubber hoses then vaseline or soap and also will not cement the hoses to the pipes/radiator over time. Makes it easier on you in the future.

Turns out that you weren't kidding -- I "Googled" AstroGlide and learned that it IS a "personal lubricant" just like KY Jelly. So, I'm surmising that no matter how big the rubber -- some lubricant helps!

Rubber radiator hose!! What were you thinking I meant?!!

LOL!

Bill

-------
Part deaux

All assume that it's the hose leaking, taking the devil's advocate position, what if it's NOT?

[Dave in MN]

Art,
On a different subject: Looking at the photo you posted in entry #5, the light wire is dangerously close to the fan belt.

Note the open "j" shaped strip of metal located directly above of the lower radiator outlet; place the loom covered headlight wire in this strip and close its opening some with light finger pressure to keep it from vibrating out. It is not necessary to have it clamp the wire...just enough to retain the wire. These strips across the lower section of the radiator are meant to keep your wiring away from the belt, front pulley and fan blade.

Good Day!

[700rpm]

I use plain ol' Vaseline to install hoses.

[BillEbob]

Okay, so it turns out that the bottom radiator hose is DRY. The bottom of the radiator, too, is DRY. Ran hand over both -- no moisture.

The pan under the bottom engine pulley has coolant pooled. There is a steady drip, drip, drip coming from directly below (underside) of this area.

NOW all you brilliant, mechanically savey, Model "A" types -- where is it coming from??? The drip pan under the car is rapidly filling! I'm at a loss to discern the source of this leak! (And yes, the accumulated liquid has the Prestone green tinge to it.)

Formerly "Disgruntled Bill,"
and in a tip of the hat to Bill Williamson, I am now just Gruntled Bill

[[email protected]]

If your water pump isn't leaking from around the packing nut, then look under the water pump for a crack. Put some talcum powder around that area and check for a wet trail with a small mirror. Lots of engines had cracks in this front area that had once been soldered, brazed, or expoxyed over the years... A major engine rebuilder sold me a rebuilt engine that he had repaired. A couple of years later it started to weep then leak from this "repair" after his warranted lapsed. I glued it up with 2 part epoxy to reseal this new crack and it is holding up well.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by BillEbob

Turns out that you weren't kidding -- I "Googled" AstroGlide and learned that it IS a "personal lubricant" just like KY Jelly. So, I'm surmising that no matter how big the rubber -- some lubricant helps!

Rubber radiator hose!! What were you thinking I meant?!!

LOL!

Bill

-------
Part deaux

All assume that it's the hose leaking, taking the devil's advocate position, what if it's NOT?

For 5 minutes, watched a Young Lady, pondering the Condoms-----"Don't you feel SILLY"?----"YEP"!---Wish I knew the "Rest of that Story"????
Bill Laffing

[Synchro909]

Hole or crack in the bottom tank? I know this goes against my usual "Fix it right, fix it once mantra but what happens if you put some radiator stop leak powder in there and run it?
I generally don't like these mechanics in a can but it will keep you going.

[glenn in camino]

If all else fails, put some alumaseal in the radiator.It will seal up small leaks and not clog anything up.

[J Franklin]

Let the vermin drink from the pan but watch the pets.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Let the vermin drink from the pan but watch the pets.

Be CAREFUL, JF,
My Coupe I sold is named "VERMIN"---AND, I was assured he will ALWAYS be called, "VERMIN"
Bro Bill

[CT Jack]

Coolant might be coming from the radiator overflow tube. If the tube is not long enough water coming out the tube could be running down onto the cross member and leaking out around the front motor mount. The overflow tube should be long enough so it drains below the front cross member.

[J Franklin]

Well then let's just keep the puppies and kitties safe!

[700rpm]

Just pull the radiator and take it to a shop and pressure test it. Stop guessing. You'll sleep better when you find the answer.