LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Radiator Reservoir Leak

Old Nov 20, 2005 | 04:39 PM
  #1  
wrastler's Avatar
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Radiator Reservoir Leak

The last week or so my low coolant light would randomly come on when cranked...but I'd recrank the engine and the light would shut off...so I finally checked the fluid levels and it was really low. I filled it with a half bottle of dex cool then started to add water...and out POURS mixed dexcool....not drips or streams...but POURS! I've tracked the 'leak' to under my battery, but I'm too big to get under my car and I dont want to take the battery out to see what the exact problem is...

QUESTION: Is there a hose connection underneath the battery to the reservoir?


QUESTION: Is there an easy/cheap fix if its more than a hose?
Old Nov 20, 2005 | 05:43 PM
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Re: Radiator Reservoir Leak

Yes the radiator has a hose just below the fill neck that connects to the top of the reservoir, under the battery.
Old Nov 20, 2005 | 05:45 PM
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Re: Radiator Reservoir Leak

If the reservoir is cracked, it's not expensive, maybe around $35.
Old Nov 20, 2005 | 07:35 PM
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Re: Radiator Reservoir Leak

I highly doubt the reservior is cracked, I took the radiator cap off today after it was hot and when the pressure in the radiator dropped, I'd say at least a quart of coolant mix poured out the bottom of my car. I think the hose just came off. How hard is it to disconnect the battery and check for myself?
Old Nov 21, 2005 | 09:28 AM
  #5  
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Re: Radiator Reservoir Leak

The battery is easy. Disconnect the negative cable first (8mm wrench), then the positive terminal. There's a bolt that holds a bracket to the base of the battery that needs to be removed, then lift the battery out.
Old Nov 21, 2005 | 06:26 PM
  #6  
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Re: Radiator Reservoir Leak

Thanks for the help OBE1. The problem was with the seal between the battery tray and the reservoir. Its apparently molded together and that section was cracked almost all the way around, I'm really surprised it didnt snap under the weight of coolant.

I went to a dealer today and got a replacement for 50 bucks and replaced it myself a couple hours ago.
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