Sinking Creek 4WD Association

So I got most of the issues with the Jeep squared away. Namely, I replaced the radiatorbarn radiator with a NAPA one-row radiator similar to stock with the plastic upper/lower tanks. All the hose connections are tight and dry. The remaining issue was the Jeep would consume some coolant (level in overflow bottle would drop).


I ended up driving the Jeep back here. Sunday morning, I topped off the radiator overflow bottle to full, before I started the Jeep up. I started the Jeep up and let it run for 30 or so minutes before I headed out. I made multiple stops along the trip, and to my surprise, the coolant level in the overflow bottle remained constant at a bit above full. The Jeep ran flawlessly on the way down.

When I got to school, I parked the Jeep out in the lot. That would have been at about 3:00pm on Sunday. I've been out to check the Jeep a few times for leaks, and all has seemed well.

However, I just went out to move the Jeep (10:00pm Monday). Everything was dry underneath before I moved it. I started it up, let it warm up for a few minutes (I guess that wasn't long enough), and drove it around the corner, maybe 1/4 of a mile to another spot. I got out and the bottom of the radiator started dripping coolant. Since there do not appear to be any leaks along the rows themselves, it must be the lower seal.

Any idea what would produce such an effect? Let it warm up, all is good; drive it before warmed up = dripping coolant.

Just like the stock radiator, the upper/lower tanks are crimped onto the radiator core. I'm guessing that once it warms up, the lower seal expands and does it's job.

Anybody have any expertise/want to recommend someone/place to take a look at it for me?

the radiator shouldnt leak in any weather ... that seal should be good for all temperatures if designed and manufactured correctly ( lol ) ....

with that said .... it sounds like a cold water leak.

my jetta does it ... leaks like a sieve through the hose connections when its cold outside ... once it warms up, it only leaks through the hole in the bottom of the radiator :o.

are you sure its not the connections?? the fan or airflow while driving can spread around antifreeze very easily making it more difficult to find the origin of the leak.

have you left it alone for a week to see if the jeep finds its level between full and low?

and did you fill it while warm?? it sounds like you might have added too much antifreeze (just above full when cold). if you put that much in my 97 ... it will overflow. The happy medium for my 97 is, well ... just that, medium. half between full and add.

if you want ... i will be at my shop Wednesday and Thursday ... you can bring it by and i can take a look at it ...

shop is in christiansburg next to precision glass on radford rd (11)

jonesy wrote:the radiator shouldnt leak in any weather ... that seal should be good for all temperatures if designed and manufactured correctly ( lol ) ....

with that said .... it sounds like a cold water leak.

my jetta does it ... leaks like a sieve through the hose connections when its cold outside ... once it warms up, it only leaks through the hole in the bottom of the radiator :o.

are you sure its not the connections?? the fan or airflow while driving can spread around antifreeze very easily making it more difficult to find the origin of the leak.

have you left it alone for a week to see if the jeep finds its level between full and low?

and did you fill it while warm?? it sounds like you might have added too much antifreeze (just above full when cold). if you put that much in my 97 ... it will overflow. The happy medium for my 97 is, well ... just that, medium. half between full and add.

if you want ... i will be at my shop Wednesday and Thursday ... you can bring it by and i can take a look at it ...

shop is in christiansburg next to precision glass on radford rd (11)

I filled it to a hair below 'full' when it was cold. When it heated up, the level rose a bit. Hose connections are all good. The fan does blow the antifreeze everywhere, so it was hard to locate the leak.

I might take you up on that offer, I'll let you know.