well I blew a freeze plug out a little while ago, got the car all back together, made sure there was no air in the coolant system, etc... took it for a quick spin and the car seems to be running quite hot. once the car gets to operating temp steam starts coming out from the radiator cap area, even in the garage. it looks like its coming from the gap between the black/metal parts of the radiator. also a tiny bit of fluid is leaking out the bottom and getting on the LICP, lower RAD hose, etc... it's a good radiator with 16k miles so I wouldn't expect it to be failing already but it seems like these openings in the radiator are showing themselves because of a deeper issue, like the thermostat being stuck open, blown HG, etc...

has anyone else had this happen to them? I can't do a coolant pressure test/leakdown/compression test till wednesday. just trying to find some answers till then.

 

bump?

 

bump

 

Replace the pressure cap and the thermostat to remove any issues there. A thermostat stuck open is just going to make the heater inoperative. A thermostat stuck closed is an emergency. As for the radiator, well, it is fix or replace time.

Sometimes a coolant hose will have a pinhole leak that only leaks when the system is under pressure. This could spray on something else like the radiator and make you think it is leaking. There are eight coolant hoses under the hood. Check them all.

If you still have problems after inspecting and doing the above and the symptoms are coolant leaving the engine for the bottle, think HG.

 

I blew my freeze plug out of my water pump on Thursday...replaced it but then it was still leaking. Got it towed to the dealership on Friday and got the car back today. They replaced my water pump and radiator cap all under my warranty. Shes running like a champ now! Good luck with yours and hope all goes well!