Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[iboughtatahoe23]

So I posted earlier about some gurgling noises under the dash and I figured it didn’t sound right because it was with the rev of the engine it would gargle. I got home and started inspecting the cooling system, and I found all my coolant all over my splash shield, and next to the radiator orange fluid everywhere in my coolant is nearly gone. I don’t know how this would happen. I thought I took really good care of my truck. I just got the radiator flushed and coolant a year ago not even

I just feel really defeated right now like I don’t know the most about cars like I just do what I can and now my coolant is leaking everywhere

 

[SpareParts]

At any moment a radiator can start leaking.
I have seen newish ones spring a leak and used ones last forever it seems. Check all hoses and connections, If all good, replace and move on.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

At any moment a radiator can start leaking.
I have seen newish ones spring a leak and used ones last forever it seems. Check all hoses and connections, If all good, replace and move on.

Im
Not sure exactly what to look for I mean I see the big hoses. I can take some pictures and maybe y’all can circle stuff. I’d really appreciate it. I know the shop will overcharge tf outta me for this

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

I’ll post some pics and stuff tomorrow


Can I still drive to work? As long as I watch the temp, and coolant level?

 

[Blackcar]

I’ll post some pics and stuff tomorrow


Can I still drive to work? As long as I watch the temp, and coolant level?

I personally would not drive vehicle until problem is resolved may cause more damage and cost.

 

[OR VietVet]

Any small leak can get big at any time. You heard the gurgling noise because the heater core is high up in the system and you heard the coolant because the heater core was not full. Sure, drive and watch the lights/gauges and that accomplishes nothing except telling you that the problem is still there. Get it checked by a qualified shop. How do you know they will overcharge? How much is an overcharge? Equipment to test the entire system costs money and the tech spends gobs on tools and learning his craft and the shop has expenses.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Any small leak can get big at any time. You heard the gurgling noise because the heater core is high up in the system and you heard the coolant because the heater core was not full. Sure, drive and watch the lights/gauges and that accomplishes nothing except telling you that the problem is still there. Get it checked by a qualified shop. How do you know they will overcharge? How much is an overcharge? Equipment to test the entire system costs money and the tech spends gobs on tools and learning his craft and the shop has expenses.

I’m gonna try it myself. It looks pretty straightforward.

 

[rdezs]

Kind of a side note for everyone.... I've noticed that recently were getting more people.... And not to be demeaning in any sort of way..... But some have no clue what makes the engine work. I suspect this is due to the inflationary effects of everything, including eggs. People are left with no choice but to figure it out for themselves. As a group we're going to need to have patience with this, and encourage people to learn. And yes, diagnostics over the internet become quite difficult when the other party has looked under the hood for maybe the first time.

 

[OR VietVet]

I’m gonna try it myself. It looks pretty straightforward.

I agree, The radiator swap is not that bad. Just be sure to check up on info about air pockets on the refill. Unless you have a vacuum fill set up, I have always used an old trick an old tech showed me. Jack up the side of the truck with the coolant reservoir and fill slowly. If can, leave overnight on a jack stand. Top off as needed in the morning and drive it and then add as needed.

 

[rdezs]

I’m gonna try it myself. It looks pretty straightforward.

For starters, I would suggest filling it with straight water..... Then start the engine and look to see where exactly it is leaking. You have several hose connections, the radiator itself, and the water pump mounted on the front of the engine. Once you find the component that's leaking, head to your local auto parts store for the replacement. They'll need the year, make and model.... And if it's something like a radiator hose, take it in with you.
By the way, after you determined what's leaking make sure you drain the water out, particularly this time of the year if you're in a cold climate. You don't want it freezing. If you're not sure what a particular item is that's leaking, upload of photo here and ask.