Radiator Is Leaking Coolant

Reader Question

Dear Sir,
My car has a radiator leak.  It has 63,000 miles on it. My mother was the original owner and now I own it.  The radiator won’t hold water.  My mechanic friend tried to find the leak, but can’t.  His equipment isn’t sophisticated.  My supervisor from work told me about Barrs Stop Leak. 

The Chevy House said it will cost $90 for a diagnostic test plus the cost of what ever has to be fixed.  I don’t know what to do.  I am alone, up in age and very low in finances.  Can you help ASAP.  Thanks.
Sylvia

Hi there Sylvia,

If the radiator is LEAKING you probably just have to replace the radiator with a new one, preferably an aftermarket radiator from your local auto parts store and not the Chevy dealer.  If you have a radiator repair shop in your area they may be able to repair the leak or maybe they have an inexpensive radiator they can install. 

I highly suggest you get a radiator shop or even most oil change shops will be able to perform a cooling system pressure test for you to be sure the radiator is the culprit and not something else.  We charge $20 for a pressure test and do it while you wait, so try another mechanic. 

Bars leak additive DOES work, but only on small seeps not leaks….in my experience.

Posted in: Radiator Leaks

4 Comments on "Radiator Is Leaking Coolant"

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  1. francisco says:

    2My car is over heating &i cant see where the water goes its not leaking no where what do you think is the problem .the fans kick on im just giving up

    • Austin says:

      You need to get a Cooling System Pressure Test to see where the leak is. Its cheap and just about any mechanic can do it while you wait.

  2. Mike says:

    I asked you last Thursday about a 2003 Toyota Camry that has been overheating (temp fluctating), and I gave you the cylinder pressure reading. You told me that you did not think it was a blown head gasket problem, but maybe an internal cooling problem. My check engine light has come on a couple of times and when I had it checked, it showed a misfire on cylinder #3. I could not find my original post so that I retrieve your answer.

    • admin says:

      Yes I think I am more inclinded to think you have an external coolant leak like from a leaking hose or water pump, clogged radiator etc and your missfire could be a worn out spark plug or something along those lines. I suggested you get a cooling system pressure test first before doing anything. I would correct the over heating problem first then the engine miss.

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