Leaking the radiator can cause enough coolant to leak to cause the engine to overheat; however, there are other clues that the machine has this problem. If you pay close attention to possible symptoms, you can arrange for repairs before the damage is too extensive. There are several techniques that allow you to seal small cracks or holes in radiators and get back on the road with minimal discomfort. There are also some emergency tricks to stop minor leaks and get you home or to the nearest mechanic.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Radiator Leaking
Step 1. Note the rise in temperature
The radiator dissipates heat to keep the engine temperature at an optimal level for its operation. A leak causes the loss of refrigerant fluid and impairs the functionality of the cooling system; as a result, the thermometer hand on the dashboard begins to rise. If the engine is constantly running at unusually higher temperatures or you've just had some overheating problem, there may be a leak in the radiator.
- Remember that overheating can cause serious damage to the engine; stop the car immediately if you realize that the temperature is too high.
- If the engine gets hotter than usual, you may have a small leak, as there is still enough liquid to cool it and keep it running.
Step 2. Notice if there are puddles of liquid under the machine
An easy way to recognize coolant leaks is to check for small puddles of fluid under the vehicle. Of course, there are a number of different liquids that can leak out of a car, so you'll need to look closely and possibly touch the substance to be able to identify it. Remember that driving with the air conditioner on causes moisture to build up in the compressor, which then drips to the ground; Also keep in mind that vehicles can tend to leak almost as much oil as the coolant. If you notice a puddle under your car or on the surface you usually park on, examine it carefully.
- Coolant is typically green or orange in color and should have a fairly different consistency than engine oil or water.
- New engine oils may be yellowish, but those that have already been used for a while should be brown or even black.
- The condensate dripping from the air conditioning system is just water.
Step 3. Check the coolant reservoir
If you are concerned that there is a leak in the radiator that you are unable to identify, check the level of the antifreeze contained in the corresponding tank under the hood. Most of these vessels have noticeable maximum and minimum notches. Draw a line with a marker on the wall of the tank or take a photo with your mobile phone to remember the fluid level on the first inspection. Open the hood and check the level again after a few hours of driving to see if it has dropped; if the first check was carried out with a cold engine, you must wait for it to return to the same temperature before repeating it.
- The coolant is in a closed system and the level should not change.
- If you notice a reduction of fluid on the second inspection, it means there is a leak somewhere.
Step 4. Visually inspect the engine compartment
If you see more rust or stains on the parts surrounding the radiator or on the radiator itself, it could indicate a nearby fluid leak. Water and antifreeze fluid come out of the radiator as you drive, favoring the formation of rust on the parts it comes into contact with. Although all components of an engine can be prone to oxidation, if you notice a particularly badly affected area near the radiator, you may have a leak to deal with.
- Look for coolant around any rust spots you spot.
- You may be able to find the source of the spill by tracing back the fluid on the oxidized areas to the highest point.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Leak
Step 1. Wait for the engine to cool down
The radiator performs the important task of maintaining the correct operating temperature of the engine; as a result, it becomes very hot, just like the pipes that make up the cooling system. When it reaches high temperatures, the coolant is under pressure; By removing the radiator cap, you could then release a violent stream of steam and hot fluid that proves dangerous. Park your car in the garage or space where you plan to work and wait for it to cool down for a few hours before starting.
- Open the hood after parking to allow heat to dissipate unhindered.
- Be prepared to wait a few hours before the engine is cold enough for you to work safely.
Step 2. Put on the appropriate safety gear
Since the cooling system is under pressure, it is essential to use protective goggles when servicing the radiator. Even if the engine is cold to the touch before proceeding, the coolant system may still be highly pressurized and eject gas when the cap is opened. You will also have to get under the car during the operations and the goggles will protect you from debris that can fall from the frame.
- Always wear safety glasses when working under the vehicle.
- You can also choose to wear gloves to protect your hands from scratches and remaining heat.
Step 3. Wash the radiator with a garden hose
It is easier to find the source of the leak when the radiator is clean, free of dirt and traces of old coolant. Use a garden hose to wet the radiator and adjacent components; this way, you can be sure that the new traces of coolant you can see after starting the engine are due to a leak. As you wash it, look for any signs of breakage on the radiator itself or on both ends of the tanks.
- It is not necessary to use a soap for this operation.
- Use paper towels to scrub away any excess dirt.
Step 4. Start the engine and observe the radiator for new fluid leaks
One of the two methods you can use to recognize a cooling system leak is to turn on the car after washing the radiator. While the engine is running, look closely at the radiator and surrounding components for leaks. You may see vapor or liquid splashing out of a crevice, coolant or water dripping from a radiator or pipe, or hear the hiss of the leak if you are unable to see it from your location. This method can point you in the right direction, but you need to turn the car off again to get visibility into the hard-to-reach spots of the radiator.
- Look for gas or liquid spraying from the radiator cracks.
- Look for drops of antifreeze falling from an opening higher up.
- Listen for hissing from around the radiator for leaks you can't see.
Step 5. Use a radiator pressure gauge to find leaks
You can buy this tool in auto parts stores. To use it, make sure the engine is cold and remove the radiator cap or system pressure cap. Mount the meter in place of the cap using the adapter included in the package; when it is firmly fixed and the system is closed again, use the meter to increase its internal pressure by 0.69 bar. When the pressure gauge reports a drop in pressure, it means that there is a leak in the system; follow the hiss generated by the air coming out of the system to find the crack.
- Be careful not to increase the pressure more than 0.69-1 bar, otherwise you could damage the cooling system and cause larger leaks.
- Look for any openings in the system pipes as well, as they can crack over time.
Part 3 of 3: Repairing the Refrigerant Leaks
Step 1. Use a commercial sealant
There are many specific products on the market to close the gaps on the radiator in a simple way; although there are several brands, the method of application is practically universal. First, check that the engine is off and cold; remove the radiator cap and pour the sealant directly into the cooling system. Top up with a mixture of water and antifreeze if the fluid level is low; then put the cap back on the radiator and start the engine. The substance should seal the crack as it reaches it through the implant.
- This method isn't as permanent a fix as a professional repair or epoxies, but it's enough to stop small leaks until you can get a mechanic.
- Keep the engine running for 5-10 minutes as the sealant runs through the cooling system.
- Afterward, leave the machine stationary overnight to allow the substance to settle.
Step 2. Use an epoxy on the visible crevices
When you identify a noticeable crack, clean the affected area thoroughly, as residues of grease and dirt prevent the resin from sealing it; use brake cleaner and a rag to remove stubborn encrustations. When the surface is clean, wait for it to dry completely before attempting to apply the resin; knead the epoxy with your hands until it becomes malleable enough to spread over the crack. Do a thorough job and apply a layer of resin at least 3mm thick, so that it can withstand the pressure of the coolant when the car is running.
- You can buy a radiator-specific epoxy resin at most auto parts stores.
- Wait for it to stabilize overnight before starting the car.
Step 3. Use an egg to close the leak
This is certainly not a long-term solution, but it can plug a small hole in the radiator until you can reach a mechanical workshop for repair. First, separate the yolks from the whites, discard the whites and pour 3-4 yolks into the cooling system through the radiator cap. Start the engine just like you would with commercial sealant and let the eggs "travel" into the plant. The yolks coagulate and seal the small cracks found in the radiator, allowing you to retain enough pressure to drive home or to a repair shop.
- This method could potentially clog the cooling system and is not recommended except in an emergency.
- Eggs are less reliable than commercial sealants that permanently repair the radiator.
Step 4. Use pepper to close the small openings
This is another unusual method that you can use to slow or stop a small spill, at least long enough to get home or to a gas station. Wait for the engine to cool, then open the radiator cap and pour half the contents of a standard pepper into it. Peppercorns, just like sealant or eggs, travel along the implant by getting stuck in crevices when pressure tries to push them out of them. In this way, you generate a temporary seal that maintains the liquid level and pressure sufficient to travel a few kilometers.
- Just like egg yolks, this remedy is also less reliable than commercial products and is not recommended unless it is an emergency situation.
- Pepper might block even larger leaks than eggs can fix, but it's still only recommended for small cracks.
Step 5. Check the repair
Whichever method you choose, it is important to check the repair as soon as you have a chance to stop. If you are concerned that there is still a refrigerant leak, repeat the same tests to identify the source. There may be multiple cracks or holes, or the repair may not have been sufficient to seal the implant. Find the new leaks and repeat the process.
- Egg yolks and pepper are not a permanent solution to a radiator leak. Consider using a commercial sealant or epoxy to make a safe repair when you are at home.
- Major cracks may not be repairable; in these cases, the radiator must be replaced.
- Remember to top up the cooling system with equal parts water and coolant solution whenever the level is low.
