You can sometimes pinch those aluminum tabs that hold the plastic end cap to the core. There is a gasket inside that will leak when those tabs loosen over time. I use a small pair of vice grips and try to pinch each tab an equal distance. Set the amount of closure on the vice grips to just snug the tabs up a little.. Close the vice grip until it locks then move to the next tab. Usually gets me by for a year or so until I replace the radiator.
My Sierra is leaking coolant from the back of the motor I’m hoping it’s just running down the oil pan from the front and not leaking from the head. When you get a coolant leak always think the worst first. I sure hope mine is not the head gasket. Man that’s expensive
It's nothing unusual, after years and miles the radiator usually developes a leak and has for 100+ yrs. and it's NOT fixible now. Mine on a '98 Jimmy with 160,000 miles had a crack in the upper plastic tank. Just put a new radiator in and keep moving, Nothing last forever.
Hey man i just drained all my coolant and when i filled it back up it didn’t stop leaking from the drainage hose from where i drained it from i put the drain plug back and everything so im not sure what it can be , it wouldn’t leak anything before until i drained everything out and it’s only from the little drainage hose that’s on the of the radiator do you know why that might be happening if you can reply i would really appreciate it thank you!!
Hello, I do not know for certain what would cause this. I would check the drain plug to see if it looks damaged or has missing or damaged o-ring on it. Maybe someone else has had this problem. Good luck. Let us know if you figure out the cause. Thanks.
Losing a lot or just a little coolant? I could smell coolant for a while before I actually found the leak. I think I had to pull the shroud off to see well. May let it run for a while in the driveway without driving then shut it down and look for wet spots. A dry paper towel will pickup a wet spot better than my eyes. Good luck.
Hello Diana, it depends on where the leak is coming from as to what the $$ is going to be. If the radiator has a leak and needs to be replaced then you are probably looking at $130 for an aftermarket one (or $300+) for an OEM. Pressure testers can be rented (you will get all of your money back when you return the tool) from auto parts stores to verify where the leak is coming from. If it is the radiator it is pretty easy with a few simple tools, I have a video on that. For the check engine light and ABS light, the auto parts stores can scan and give you the codes for those as well. If you have the codes, you can do some research on what common fixes are or what else to check. May take a little more of your time but could save a bunch compared to repair shop bill. Best of luck working on your truck and figuring out what is wrong.
Exactly what my truck is doing...thank you sir...i replaced my water pump before I realized it was a leak in my radiator
Thanks for this video. I believe I have the same issue
You can sometimes pinch those aluminum tabs that hold the plastic end cap to the core. There is a gasket inside that will leak when those tabs loosen over time. I use a small pair of vice grips and try to pinch each tab an equal distance. Set the amount of closure on the vice grips to just snug the tabs up a little.. Close the vice grip until it locks then move to the next tab. Usually gets me by for a year or so until I replace the radiator.
Good tip for someone in a pinch or to prolong replacement like you mentioned; I had never thought of that. Thanks for the comment.
Great find, and thanks for posting..
Thanks. Good luck if you have one you are working on.
My Sierra is leaking coolant from the back of the motor I’m hoping it’s just running down the oil pan from the front and not leaking from the head. When you get a coolant leak always think the worst first. I sure hope mine is not the head gasket. Man that’s expensive
Good deal
What is the name of that hose the second hose on the antifreeze reservoir?
How much did the new radiator cost?
It's nothing unusual, after years and miles the radiator usually developes a leak and has for 100+ yrs. and it's NOT fixible now. Mine on a '98 Jimmy with 160,000 miles had a crack in the upper plastic tank. Just put a new radiator in and keep moving, Nothing last forever.
Hey man i just drained all my coolant and when i filled it back up it didn’t stop leaking from the drainage hose from where i drained it from i put the drain plug back and everything so im not sure what it can be , it wouldn’t leak anything before until i drained everything out and it’s only from the little drainage hose that’s on the of the radiator do you know why that might be happening if you can reply i would really appreciate it thank you!!
Hello, I do not know for certain what would cause this. I would check the drain plug to see if it looks damaged or has missing or damaged o-ring on it. Maybe someone else has had this problem. Good luck. Let us know if you figure out the cause. Thanks.
Same problem. I can't find my .
Losing a lot or just a little coolant? I could smell coolant for a while before I actually found the leak. I think I had to pull the shroud off to see well. May let it run for a while in the driveway without driving then shut it down and look for wet spots. A dry paper towel will pickup a wet spot better than my eyes. Good luck.
What did you end up having to do? Same exact issue on ‘10 Tahoe
Hello, ended up just being a hole in the radiator. had to replace the radiator, have a video of that too. Good luck with yours. Thanks.
Hello Diana, it depends on where the leak is coming from as to what the $$ is going to be. If the radiator has a leak and needs to be replaced then you are probably looking at $130 for an aftermarket one (or $300+) for an OEM. Pressure testers can be rented (you will get all of your money back when you return the tool) from auto parts stores to verify where the leak is coming from. If it is the radiator it is pretty easy with a few simple tools, I have a video on that. For the check engine light and ABS light, the auto parts stores can scan and give you the codes for those as well. If you have the codes, you can do some research on what common fixes are or what else to check. May take a little more of your time but could save a bunch compared to repair shop bill. Best of luck working on your truck and figuring out what is wrong.