Finding radiator leaks

[Magpie]

Noticed a very small coolant drip on the weekend when I was poking around under the car on Sunday. Not sure if I should take out the radiator or put some stop leak in it. It maybe lost 2ml overnight (Saturday) and a recent track days not much coolant was lost, actually I thought it was a little overflow.

Not really well focused but you can just see the green in the bottom right corner.
DSCN3013 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Same region but using a UV Light
DSCN3012 by Eipeip, on Flickr

And this is where the leak is possibly from, again using a UV light
DSCN3008 by Eipeip, on Flickr

Shinning the torch over the rest of the radiator there were no signs of leaks.

[hks_kansei]

Dont use stop leak.

While it will stop the radiator leaking for a while it will also gum up every single part of the cooling system with sh*t.

When my gf was rebuilding the engine in the Kingswood we discovered the previous owner used the stuff, every interior surface coated with a layer of the crap (can't be great for helpinmg the heat conduct into the coolant)

It had also collected at the bottom of the radiator essentially starting to block the drain plug, and bottom hose.

had to acid dip the block to get the crap out.



So yeah, try and avoid the stuff if you can.

[Magpie]

Thanks, looks like it will be a removal and repair job.

[Magpie]

Radiator removed and off to PWR this morning. PWR were great on the phone, advised they can test it the same day and advise if can be repaired. Found out the oil capacity of the cooler side of the radiator is about 700ml.

Looks like it is at one of the mounting points
IMG_1291[1] by Eipeip, on Flickr

There was very little 'gunk' inside the radiator, however may take the opportunity to do a complete flush.

Using the UV light reminded me of this skit:

[project.r.racing]

Pressure test. 2 seconds of you life, and you'll locate the leak.

[Steampunk]

Your radiator is leaking?
*how interesting... do go on...*

[Magpie]

Ouch Steampunk, you have hurt my limited feelings...

More about using UV light to see the coolant and where it has been

https://youtu.be/CqkG3CqPbQk

[hks_kansei]

I do the same to spot coolant leaks.

Even a blue led works, doesnt need to be Uv

Makes it 100x easier

[Magpie]

Radiator repaired by PWR at no cost to me! Not bad service for something purchased almost 3 years ago. Top left hand mounting point was cracked.

[project.r.racing]

It was leaking cos a mounting point was cracked?

[Magpie]

Yes, top passenger side where the OEM bracket attaches.

[Okibi]

Nice to hear PWR fixed it for free.