Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[PPV_2018]

I mean where is it leaking from exactly..

Might catch some shhh for this one but, you can pour some black pepper in the reservoir and it will act as a homemade stop leak.

When i was a lot younger and slightly broker than i am now, i had a radiator leak on my first gen explorer. Could not afford to get it fixed for a while so my uncle told me pour black pepper in the reservoir.. i was like BS.. but did it anyways.. well, it stopped the leaking for a good while. Since you’re likely going to have to drain/flush out the system anyways on the repair it’s not the end of the world.

Only recommend as a temporary measure, surely you should get it attended to asap either by shop or as a diy project but the pepper thing will keep you from being sidelined.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

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.

No water here… still winter.

 

[15burban]

Where are you located? Maybe if you're close to another member they would be willing to help you fix it.

 

[Fless]

Rent a cooling system pressure tester from your local auto parts store. Fill the system with coolant, then pressure test it hot, and cold.

The radiators tend to leak from the plastic ends, higher up on the driver's side. But when you pressure test it, look everywhere.

To quote Doc, one of the Seven, “Careful, men, search every cook and nanny... uh, hook and granny... crooked fan... search everywhere.”

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Where are you located? Maybe if you're close to another member they would be willing to help you fix it.

I think I have a good friend lined up to help. But I’m in northeast South Dakota, Aberdeen to be exact. 3 hours from Sioux Falls and Fargo…

 

[Doubeleive]

I think I have a good friend lined up to help. But I’m in northeast South Dakota, Aberdeen to be exact. 3 hours from Sioux Falls and Fargo…

you can do it man, just watch a few youtube video's for pointers, all you need tool wise is a couple sockets, a pick tool or real small flat head screw driver and some pliers.
it's all fairly easy the hardest part may be just getting the passenger side lower radiator hose clamp back on. it's a tight spot but not impossible by any means.
a shop will nail you for anywhere from $650 to $1200 or maybe even more for something that takes them 30 minutes or less.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

you can do it man, just watch a few youtube video's for pointers, all you need tool wise is a couple sockets, a pick tool or real small flat head screw driver and some pliers.
it's all fairly easy the hardest part may be just getting the passenger side lower radiator hose clamp back on. it's a tight spot but not impossible by any means.
a shop will nail you for anywhere from $650 to $1200 or maybe even more for something that takes them 30 minutes or less.

That is insane… might take me all day but no doubt that I can do it

 

[15burban]

But I’m in northeast South Dakota, Aberdeen

I worked out there for roughly 8 months when 3M did their expansion a couple of years ago. We did the foundations for it. Love the area, kind of out in the middle of nowhere but has everything you need there. I just didn't like the 6 hour drive there every Sunday and 6 hour drive home Friday afternoons. Also had a hell of a time getting a hotel once pheasant (if I remember correctly) season started lol.

Good luck and if you get you stumped or have questions, no matter how dumb they may seem, ask away. There's plenty of knowledgeable and helpful guys on here.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

I worked out there for roughly 8 months when 3M did their expansion a couple of years ago. We did the foundations for it. Love the area, kind of out in the middle of nowhere but has everything you need there. I just didn't like the 6 hour drive there every Sunday and 6 hour drive home Friday afternoons. Also had a hell of a time getting a hotel once pheasant (if I remember correctly) season started lol.

Good luck and if you get you stumped or have questions, no matter how dumb they may seem, ask away. There's plenty of knowledgeable and helpful guys on here.

I really appreciate ya guys, been a real godsend the last few years

 

[petethepug]

My 09 is leaking too. My Indi diesel buddy said he didn’t pressure check to find the leak because that blows the crack open. Then the customer is stuck with the fix right there, with parts sourced locally at sky high prices.

These radiators are susceptible to cracked plastic headers from chassis flex. Now, the OEM radiators are guaranteed for life though.

Ordered my GM radiator before the pressure test. Amazon had a torn box special for $187.11 for the 6.2L. Immediately after ordering it a notice popped up they could no longer deliver them to SoCal!?! A Quick Look online shows radiators just jumped 1-$2h this month. WTF?



It pays to shop around. If you’re in need of one fast, shipping time can make or break your budget and force you to buy an overseas special.