Jeep Wrangler 1997 radiator problem?

Question

OK well I was driving down the road and my car tells me to check the engine then about 5 minutes later it starts to smoke a lot. I get home and look under the hood. My coolant is completely gone and my radiator is drain. So what does one do, I refilled it all. Drove it fine for a few hours then the same thing happens. So this it I fill it up and watch underneath. There seems to be a crack or a leak somewhere where coolant is getting out. I think it is my radiator, it could be cracked. Or also I might have a bust hose somewhere? If anyone can tell me what you think it is and the best way to repair that would be great. I got radiator sealant that you have to drain and redrain, but i dont know if it is my radiator for sure. Any help?

Answer 1

If a visual inspection with a flashlight isn't getting the job done...

Fill it up again and find/borrow/buy a pressure tester. They fit in place of your radiator cap. Pump it up per the instructions. If there's no leak while the engine is cool, you'll need to start it and warm it up.

I do not recommend spending any time *under* your vehicle waiting for a leak to appear while it's running and the coolant is hot. You could get a faceful of hot coolant if it cuts loose with a good spray as it warms up.

I wouldn't recommend boiling it dry that way again while you're driving it. That's a pretty mean thing to do to your engine.

Edit: You know, I didn't think to ask if you are SURE that the "smoke", as you call it, is coming from the engine compartment or your exhaust system. For your sake, let's just HOPE it's from the engine compartment. If you meant the exhaust, you've got much bigger problems (blown head gasket, or cracked manifold or block).

Answer 2

Don't you hate that. I had a leak, thinking that is was the radiator. I was on the way to the auto store and the hose broke. It must have had a pinhole leak UNDER the hose and squirting it toward the radiator. I was about to buy some T&W Block Seal . So I just replaced the hose.

If anything, replace the suspected hose. It would not hurt anything. Then use the K&W block seal. I learned what happens when you use the cheapie stuff. It does work, but when I saw it block a head gasket with water spewing out, it may be a firm believer.

If the leak appears coming from your hose/radiator area or connection you can rule the water pump out. You may have to run the engine and just LAY under the vehicle and watch where the water may drain from.

For future reference,
Get a Haynes Repair Manual at the local Auto Zone or auto parts store in your area. It will troubleshoot and show you how to fix your vehicle. Also on the Auto Zone site has a section for vehicle maintenance

Answer 3

you probably have bad hoses, you need to have a qualified mechanic find the leak for you, don't keep driving it like it is or you could do damage to your engine.