Radiator overheating and leakage

JOSEPH BENITEZ

MEMBER
1999 ACURA RL
3.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
210,000 MILES

I recently replaced the thermostat to my car. I also replaced the radiator cap. After I did that I learned that what I forgot to do was to get a rubber gasket to seal off the housing compartment that houses the thermostat. I immediately noticed a very very small leak coming from the housing compartment. Well I drove it for a good 90 miles and when I got to my destination I quickly noticed that there were leaks coming from the radiator. The coolant was visible leaking from all sides of the radiator. It was light leakage but leakage nonetheless. And there was light smoke coming from the brand new radiator cap as well. The fluid from the reservoir was nearly gone. What could this mean?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi,

Is it the radiator that is leaking or is it leaking from the radiator cap? Also, when you installed the thermostat, do you mean you didn't install a gasket? Did the temperature gauge indicate a normal temp or was it overheating?

As far as the light steam, that is simply from the hot coolant. If there is a leak, you are likely to see it.

As far as the radiator and the coolant on the sides, these radiators have tanks on the sides which are crimped on when new. There is a gasket in there as well. Often times, from expansion and contraction, they will start to leak. In that case, the radiator should be replaced.

If possible, explain where the leaks appear to be. For example, is coolant coming from the radiator cap and running down the sides, or does it appear to be leaking from the sides? Also, let me know if you installed the thermostat gasket.

I attached an exploded view of the thermostat assembly and circled the part I think you forgot to install. If I am correct, it will always leak until it's replaced.

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 9:26 PM

JOSEPH BENITEZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Okay, so I saw the picture and that's exactly the part that I did not put on before I after I replace the thermostat. I don't know much about cars and the guy who. Was helping me didn't mention it. Before I replaced the cap the leak was usually coming from the cap. This time with a new cap on the leaking began coming from the sides of the radiator and there was slight leakage coming from the cap itself. There was a lot of pressure because I could hear and see it. However the thermostat was at the right temperature although I noticed it moved up maybe just hair but enough for me to notice that it moved up but it never reached past the middle between hot and cool. Maybe it was about to but I stopped the car just before it had a chance. Maybe? I should also mention that when I was buying the coolant I purchased a 50/50 coolant and stupidly I just filled the radiator with coolant and rather then 50 coolant/50 water. I don't know if that makes an difference.

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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 12:15 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

If the radiator is leaking at the seams (on the sides) it will need replaced. However, the new cap shouldn't have leaked. There is a pressure release that allows the coolant to bypass into the overflow reservoir.

I want you to try something. When the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap and start the engine. Let me know if coolant is forced out. Also, if it isn't, take a look at it and check to see if you notice air bubbles in it. We may have a head gasket issue.

Here is a link that explains what to look for:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Keep in mind, that is only a thought at this point. I'm questioning why what sounds like excessive pressure is building. As far as the straight coolant, that won't hurt anything. Believe it or not, it simply weakens it. Coolant is strongest at a 50/50 mix.

Let me know.
Joe

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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 9:23 PM