I live in Colorado. Two part question -
[1] This winter I
noticed that the radiator would
spray / eject fluid out of an area
near the cap / reservoir, especially
after an overnight freeze. I can’t
find the leak but it always happened
after I drove the car around a bit.
i.e. it did not happen if the car
was stationary. I tried revving the
engine, etc - nothing.
[2] Now in the summer I am noticing
that the fluid level in the radiator
drops, the coolant reservoir gets
filled by a backflush, and the engine
overheats.
Any suggestions? THANKS MUCH FELLOW
CT Folks
Well I would guess the first thing to do is to find that leak. Since you don’t seem to be able to find it, then it is time to bring in a local professional who likely will pressure test it. Keep in mind it may have an a head gasket or other issue.
Winter or summer, it is a poor idea to hold off on this kind of problem as it will never become less expensive and can become a lot more expensive very quickly.
The oil is always clean and no sign of steamy
exhaust. This seems like it is the radiator -
a two year old Modine but has quite a lot of
moldy like “stuff” at least as far as I can see
after removing the rad cap.
Most likely a bad radiator cap. The cap regulates the pressure within the cooling system, and excess pressure is released into the overflow bottle. However, if the cap goes bad, it will release pressure (and coolant) at lower and lower pressures than originally designed, resulting in fluid loss and overheating.
It could also mean a leaking head gasket, that is sending combustion gasses into the cooling system and over-pressurizing the system, but, then, you’d acutally see bubbles streaming through the overflow bottle. But, i felt I needed to tell you.
Is this two year old Modine an all copper and brass radiator or a plastic and aluminum one like the original? If its not like the original, I’d recommend that you replace it with a plastic and aluminum OEM radiator post haste.
It is painted black and appears to have plastic
tanks; perhaps and Al body. I really don’t see
any coolant leaks. Just a lot of “rust” in the
fins.
I should mention I picked up some Prestone
Radiator Clean and will try this first to
see if I can get the liquid to flow freely.
I’m also thinking of putting a T-joint
in the heater core path to flush the system out.
These will be my first try at a remedy.