i just about boiled cause my radiator seems to have a leak. whats the likely hood of me having to get a whole new one?
2007-04-08 17:32:03 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Leaking radiators are generally ready to go altogether. You'll spend more time and almost as much money fixing one as you will putting a new one in, and you'll still have a clogged, corroded radiator. Just get a new radiator.
2007-04-09 05:53:45 · answer #1 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the leak. If you've simply got a cracked hose, then no problem.
Do not drive it without filling it with at least water. Overheating multiple times WILL cause permanent engine damage. Wait until it cools, open the radiator cap and fill it until you see the water/fluid level near the neck. Then fill the overflow reservoir to the 'full' mark.
This should be enough to drive it to your nearest radiator mechanic. You may want to check the fans. Just recently I had a relay/fuse go out that drove the cooling fans, leading to an overheated engine. Run the car with the hood open. Then look toward the front of the car and see if you can see a fan or pair of fans spinning. If they're not spinning, then it's most likely an electrical problem that will cost faaar less to fix than a mechanical one.
As long as the car is running and the hood is open, look for a leak -- look above and below but keep your distance. The radiator system IS pressurized and if there is a significant leak, you will get sprayed. If you can see the leak and it's a very slow leak (say no more than one droplet per second), you'll probably be OK with a sealant solution added to your coolant. If you cannot see the leak or see more fluid leaking out than you're comfortable with, proceed to your mechanic IMMEDIATELY. Do not pass GO, do not stop at your favorite drive-through.
2007-04-09 00:49:16 · answer #2 · answered by C A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends upon how bad the leak is and where it is. Small leaks can be corrected by a tube of Stop-Leak or Bars-All available at any auto parts store. You're going to have to go there to get replacement coolant, anyway. Larger leaks will require removal of the radiator, which has to come out anyway if you have to replace the water pump after it burns out from lack of engine coolant. Make sure you replace the thermostat, too.
2007-04-09 00:42:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just about any vehicle made since 1985 will require a replacement radiator. The good news is there are so many aftermarket units out there now that the price is really quite reasonable.
2007-04-09 00:48:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i own a shop,and really it all depends on where the leak is in it ,and how bad it is i usually buy a new one,and don't take any chances with getting one hot,you can do a lot of damage to one by getting it to the boiling point,even close will hurt the newer cars now days,take it and have it checked to see if it can be repaired,good luck with it.
2007-04-09 00:39:19 · answer #5 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends on the car make - the type of rad. as they are making them out of plastics these days. I don't know how fixable that is. Best bet is a rad shop.
2007-04-09 00:38:43 · answer #6 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Someone said use STOPLEAK on it, I WOULD NOT USE THE CRAP!!! This can clog your water jets in the block and have actually seen it happen. My freind used it and it was not good.
2007-04-09 05:17:12 · answer #7 · answered by pyledriver 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋