I think I got a very tiny coolant leak. I can smell it on the passenger side in between radiator and alternator. I cant see any hoses leaking and there arent any parts wet on the motor from coolant. I think Im gonna pull the radiator to take a closer look for cracks. If I dont find any, is there a way to pressure test the radiator while its out of the car to make sure that its sealed up?

 

Have you tried a radiator pressure tester? I'd try it while everything is still on the car. The pressure tester will work with the radiator off the car. You have to cap off all the hose connections.

 

yeah, it looses pressure very slowly. ive looked everywhere for this leak and everything is dry. i can smell it and the only thing i can think of is the plastic on the radiator maybe has a small leak. thats the only place i cant see so that would be my guess. i havent tested the radiator separately but i called a radiator shop and they said they can test it.

 

I chased a leak for about six weeks a couple of years ago. It would hold pressure when cold, but would leak when hot. The plastic on the battery side of the radiator had a crack that would not leak until the coolant was hot. Guess it had to do with temperature expansion and contraction.

 

So whats everyones opinion on pulling the radiator to take it down to a radiator shop to have it pressure tested even though that may not even be the source of the leak. Im guessing I need to start eliminating the things that may be leaking.

 

If you haven't, get a new cap and try that.

 

yeah, new cap from the dealer. its just so damn hot out. guess ill pull it tomorrow morning. 112* today!

 

Update! I took the radiator to the the shop and they found a leak. The leak was in one of the coolant passages. Heads up to everyone, the leak was caused by the zip ties that came with the B&M tranny cooler. It rubbed a hole through the passageway, or i ruptured it installing it. Ill have to find another way to mount the cooler, but it wont be through the radiator and condenser.

 

Include little details like this when you describe trouble. Small things can be significant.

 

I will be sure and do this, thanks Shoebox! PS, love your site! On my defense though, I installed the cooler last summer and didnt even think about it being mounted there or causing a problem. Actually, now that I think about it, I posted a thread quite some time ago asking if the cooler was blocking air to the radiator and causing the car to get hot. I was wondering if I mounted it in a bad spot. Now I know.