Strange coolant leak

[driftbendito]

I have a 98 ohv explorer with about 170,000 on the clock and recently i keep having to add coolant to the vehicle every week at the rate of roughly 1/2 gallon. I looked under the vehicle and there is visible coolant on the lower radiator hose but i tightened the clamp and it does not seem to make a difference. When i'm looking at the radiator from the engine bay there seems to be a coolant puddling on a ledge at the right side of the radiator towards the bottom. The strange thing is that somedays there will be a coolant puddle under the car more towards the driver side wheel and other days the ground will be bone dry. I'm assuming that the radiator is cracked on the right side plastic somewhere. Is this a common problem?

 

[stk33069]

i dont know how common it is, but i recently just had the same problem. random times there was a puddle on the truck toward the driver side front wheel, coolant on the lower rad. hose and even the some running down the side. it took me to replacing the lower hose both hose clamps before i replaced the radiator cap and there hasnt been any leaks since. might want to try and replace that before speading unnecessary money.

 

[swshawaii]

Rent a coolant pressure test kit with a refundable deposit, from most AP stores. Guaranteed to find the leak without guessing. GL

 

[drdoom]

Rent a coolant pressure test kit with a refundable deposit from most auto parts stores. No guessing and guaranteed to find the leak. GL

Wisdom.