Radiator Leak

[ZuBo9231]

I have a radiator leak on my 2001 Explorer XLT V8 5.0L it looks like it is leaking from the bottom left corner. I constantly have a puddle of anti-freeze under my car but the over flow tank always has fluid at the appropriate level and my radiator is almost full of fluid. Its Freaky. Does anybody else have this problem and does anybody know where else it could be leaking from?

 

[sean99]

On my 99 the leak was where the plastic sides seal against the metal center of the radiator. Mine leaked on the lower right side from the seal.

 

[OneLever]

If your 2001 V8 is like my 1997 V8 that is where the lower radiator hose connects. I'd check and probably replace it and it's clamps.

 

[ZuBo9231]

it hink that where mine might be leaking from. is it on the passenger side?

 

[OneLever]

No the driver's side. Put on some goggles (blinding antifreeze will ruin your night) and get a flashlight. Then stick your head under there and take a look. If the hose is leaking it should be obvious. It could also be leaking down from above like mana from heaven to bring you joy this eve. But that's the first thing I though of.

 

[JCat]

Has anyone had success with using a stop-leak product for this problem ? (tank to core seal leaking)

 

[1AJeremyD]

Stop leak is not really a problem solver. It more is a problem delayer. In the end you will have to just replace the radiator. The thing about the leak stop is that it bonds to metal pretty good but not so much plastic stuff, such as the outer sections of the radiator.

 

[OneLever]

It's really not that hard to replace the radiator, and now days you can get one with a lifetime warranty. I've never had a high opinion of Stopleak, GumItUp, StuffTheLines, WhatPassage, etc. As 1AJeremyD pointed out these are two different materials which makes the situation more difficult.