Need support. Just found out my radiator is leaking

[iboughtatahoe23]

After getting back from the gas station. Lost a lot more

 

[donjetman]

How do you know what cooling systems you have all I see is two lines coming from the radiator going to the bottom of the engine block I don’t know if it’s a oil cooler or a trans cooler

If it has a trans cooler? the 2 lines run from the drivers side of the tranny to the passenger side of the radiator.
If it has an engine oil cooler too? there are 2 lines that run from the engine block just above the oil filter to the drivers side of the radiator.
RPO code in the glove box tell the tale too.

 

[DodDel5-3-6L80e]

So is that a transmission cooler then? Right to
The radiator ?

Yes, those hard lines are for the transmission.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Yes, those hard lines are for the transmission.

so when ordering the new radiator do i just order a normal one or?

 

[DodDel5-3-6L80e]

Yes, with the same number of ports, and you should be good to go.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

Ports… so just count any tube or hose? Trans line included

Yes, with the same number of ports, and you should be good to go.

 

[DodDel5-3-6L80e]

Yes. Every hose and line. Match it with your year and model but verify number of ports.

 

[Coveman]

You really should pressure test the system, many parts stores loan them for free (but for the money a worthwhile purchase) They do not cause damage to the cooling system (think about it, 10 psi from a tester is lower than normal operating pressure) and you can HEAR the leaks without the engine noise and without burning yourself on scalding hot block. Also, look at the coolant and oil fluids to make sure they aren’t being mixed together.

 

[iboughtatahoe23]

You really should pressure test the system, many parts stores loan them for free (but for the money a worthwhile purchase) They do not cause damage to the cooling system (think about it, 10 psi from a tester is lower than normal operating pressure) and you can HEAR the leaks without the engine noise and without burning yourself on scalding hot block. Also, look at the coolant and oil fluids to make sure they aren’t being mixed together.

I was gonna take it to a shop today he’s gonna find the leak, not to familiar with pressure tests. usually hes nice and doesnt charge for diag

 

[Sundancer]

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.

I totally agree with your assessment as the cost of mechanical work either at the dealer or a local guy is astronomical. I myself tinker with automotive tasks since I was a teen and while I cant say that I am anywhere near the knowledge in this forum, I appreciate the responses and reading them. Knowledge is power for sure !