Coolant leak. Why?

Question

I drive a 1998 Dodge Stratus. Today I found a puddle of coolant underneath my car. After checking underneath the car, I saw the coolant leaking very quickly. This was not just a drop or two, it was almost like a hole was punched into the reservoir and it was just spraying out. What could be causing this problem? And, is my car safe to drive?

It's labor day, so the mechanics are away. But I do plan on having it checked out tomorrow.

Answer 1

No it is definitely not OK to drive if as you say coolant is 'spraying' out as this will cause your car to overheat in a short amount of driving. I would find an alternative way of getting around for a day or so or risk a much higher bill.

Answer 2

Make sure there's adequate coolant in the radiator and coolant recovery bottle when you take it to the shop tomorrow. Here's a little trick: Don't screw the radiator cap all the way tight. While you have the cap in your hand, make sure the radiator is full. Plain water will do until your visit with the mechanic. Attach the cap just so that is won't come off the top of the radiator. One click or an eighth of a turn. The object is, - the system will not build pressure. Hopefully you can get directly to the repair shop.10 miles or less. Leave the air conditioning off and turn the heater on full blast to help cool your system.

If your leak is substantial - a cup an hour get it fixed in your driveway in the AM.

Answer 3

Your car is NOT safe to drive.

A stone could have rupture the coolant plastic. It may also be cracked. Don't risk killing your engine because if you run the car and it runs out of coolant your car will freeze up and you will not have control of the car as it will die.

FYI: if it was a small crack you could use bubble gum to seal the tiny hole but it doesn't sound like the case. The best choice would be to get it fixed immediately or you will lose your engine. I've had that happen to me before, very expensive lesson.

Also, put a plastic container to catch the toxic coolant, it can kill dogs or animals, and children if they were to accidentally ingest it.

If you think this is the best answer vote for me. Your mechanic will agree.

Answer 4

DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT run your car with the radiater cap removed unless you want to be scalded and possibly permanantly disfigured, the radiater cap is designed to keep pressure withing the system, when the system gets hot this pressure prevents yoru coolant from boiling so that the coolant can reach temperatures far above the coolants normal boiling temperature, if you allow yoru car to reach standard operating temperature witht eh cap removed the coolant will boil out violently and possibly even project out of the top of the radiater woth a fair amount of force, fill it close it and take it to a professional, there are about 10 places where you can lose coolent and when it is hot all of them can lose it fast these include, radiator seams and channels, heater core hoses, radiator upper and lower hoses, intake coolant line, valve timing cover (OHV engines not DOHC or OHC engines), coolent return hoses and thrmostat housings (common on small block V8s.

Answer 5

You probably nailed the problem. If you can see the hole in the reservoir, then you know you need a new one. You might be able to use an epoxy or gorilla glue, but really the best fix is a new one.

It is probably "safe" to drive, but keep in mind if you run out of coolant, your engine will seize and a $15 repair will turn into a $2500 repair. Get it fixed.

good luck.

Answer 6

liable for whats leaking sorry not really liable unless you can prove he done something wrong..is it same part he replace no part went bad sorry man parts break and who can say what is bad with out looking at it an dsure most coolant leak are easy depending on what is leaking but most anyone can do with a few tools a hose all you need is a screwdriver a water pump sure a few more tools but really most are easy to replace or fix just knowing what you need done the hard part many people do their own work to save money and just for fun my wife does all her own repairs even gets mad if i want to help her really

Answer 7

Your coolant reservoir tank could have cracked due to heat. For a quick fix, clean the area, and try to make it as dry as possible, and just tape it up. You can use duck-tape, masking-tape, or electric tape. (This is a temporary quick fix.) You should get the reservoir tank replaced because the coolant can still leak out and cause your car to overheat, and possibly damaging your engine.

Answer 8

I would guess you are talking about the lower radiator tank as the plastic overflow container has no pressure. I would get to a RADIATOR shop quickly. If you go to a car repair shop it will cost you much more. It can most likely be repaired. Remember, RADIATOR shop. Make sure your coolant doesn't run too low.

Answer 9

if you HAVE to drive it, unlock the radiator cap to remove the pressure, that will take the pressure out of the system and keep water in it, although not as efficiently. But it will get you where you need to go, and water will still circulate around.

turn your heater on occasionally ! this will allow you to check while you are driving if you still have water in the system. when the heater runs cold, get more water!

Answer 10

basically you need a new overflow tank unless you can patch the hole by emptying it and then use a hot soldering iron to melt the plastic together to cover the hole, I would not drive the car until you get it fixed.