Second morning in a row that I've noticed a small spot of coolant on my driveway.I saw some fluid here last month and replaced the crappy LR hose clamps with new ones thinking that it was the issue but I think this may have not been my problem.

I examined the radiator from all angles top to bottom with a flash light and found that the leak appears to be coming from the top driver's side. The driveway has a slight slope sideways so the fluid seems to be dripping down to the bottom and running to the passenger side before hitting the ground. So I removed the upper fan shroud cover that is held in place by 4 phillips head plastic screws and then removed the 2 screws that hold the lower shrowd assembly to the top of the radiator. There was a small puddle of fluid under this part and I am wondering if the mounting screw actually goes into the radiator here, which would seem like a pretty dumb thing!

I am going clean and dry out the area and to try using RTV sealant when I put the shroud back on as my first solution but I hate band aid approaches. I have read where the hard plastic tube can crack and should be replaced with a rubber one but this is not where the leak is coming from, it is definately under the shroud where it is attached to the radiator.

Has anyone had this issue?






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I forgot to add that it is a 2003 Disco with about 99,000 miles and no previous issues.

 

Take it to a radiator shop and let the guys who know check it out.
Most likely you will be replacing this radiator, good news is there are some good prices on after market radiators.

 

Mike you are right on as usual. I used RTV cement on those screws with high hopes, did a few prayers to St. Anthony (the patron saint of lost souls) and the damn thing leakeda few drips in my driveway this afternoon. Must be because of Global Warming as Houston is very hot and out of season this January or else the planets are out of allignment! I priced some radiators and the best price is at AB parts at about $275 for the one with 2ndary air. Damn, that sets me back from my secret plant to convince the wive that I need those OME HD shocks and springs... CRAPPPP!!!

Perhaps we should start a thread about convincing married partners that we need to upgrade our Discos?

 

Mine did the EXACT same thing onjan 1stthis year... Put agenerous amount of teflon tape on it, and it's still holding strong.. In spite of myimmediate victory, i'm sure a new radiator is in my future....

Good pics though.. makes it real easy to explain..

 

Found the culprit. In the late afternoon after a day of running around town and I was safely back in the driveway I went ahead and took out the screws to the upper fan shroud which exposes the area where I had seen fluid collecting. Sure enough some antifreeze water was there so I mopped it up and then, after 10 seconds or so the fluid stated to appear again and grow in size. Apparently I have a small crack that has developed there. Possible defect I figure but I just got a new radiator from AB Parts.

Now the question is moved towards R&R the radiator. It seems like there are 2 small machine bolts at the top right or left that attach the radiator

 

F***.

I just spend my whole effing day putting a new radiator in, that I bought off of ebay, and it's doing this exact same thing.

S.O.B.

I'm not usually a cussing kind of guy, but this really gets me. I don't give a crap about the $200. I just wasted my entire Thursday, and I'll be working all day tomorrow because of it.

WTF.... GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. Sorry guys. I'm upset.

 

www.autosportsunlimited.com
616-748-5729
Talk to Chris and tell him that I sent you.

 

I JB welded the crap out of the hole. We'll see what happens tomorrow afternoon when 15 hours of curing is up.

Turd Ballz.

 

Thats what I hate about e-bay, you just dont know what your really going to get.