Radiator Leaking Coolant

Thank you

My Ford Escort has a radiator leak. When I change my oil, auto service added approx. Quarter of coolant to it. However, I don't know since when leak exists. I know that leak will not get any better, only worst, but wonder how much time I have to fix my radiator before it does some damage to the motor.
Thanks,
I.F.

Most say that the coolant can be drained through the radiator petcock, and to do a little better job a block drain plug can be opened if available. According to some manuals my car is suppose to have a block drain on the exhaust side but it sure isn't there- I checked and rechecked. Anyway, I tried draining thru the petcock but only about a quart came out. I replaced the quart with an extended life antifreeze which the manufacture said would replace all colors of antifreeze. Now I would like to flush the engine and replace the antifreeze. Since only a gallon came out of the petcock last time i'm figuring the radiator is a little blocked up near the petcock. Must I remove the radiator and clean it, or is there an easier way such as taking off the bottom hose and draining the engine, and then run water thru the radiator with the bottom hose disconnected - might that suffice to clean the radiator? Or could something else be the problem? Should I refill with extended life, and are there reasons why the extended life might not be as good as the original green?

Also the cooling system is supposed to have a float/seat de-gas system to aid in filling. What is this?

Ok thanks.

Is the extended life coolant a good option?
What about the float/seat degas system? Does this mean that it will fill with thermostat closed, or just that I won't have to worry so much about air in system?

Thanks. Didn't get your last post until now-thought I would get email notification, so I hope you will still answer.

I don't know if there is a bleeder near thermostat, but the ford manual mentioned that "the thermostat housing has a float/seat degas system that improves coolant fill when radiator is closed". It didn't mention anymore about it or give anymore instructions. No mention of it in other manual.

Engine Cooling problem
1998 Ford Escort 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 90000k miles

How do you change the radiator in a 1998 Ford escort XL? Are there other parts you need to change at the same time?
Thank you so much

It's actually pretty simple. First make sure your engine is completely cool, then go ahead and jack it up, get a bucket, and drain the radiator via the drain spout on the bottom corner of the radiator. Disconnect your hoses (including the metal ones), then remove the two little holders on the top of the radiator (should be a size 10 wrench or ratchet), and also a few nuts on the sides of the radiator that you will have to look for that will need to be taken off, then you can pull the radiator straight up out of the car. The fan is going to come with the radiator, so after getting it out of the car, just unplug the fan and unscrew it from the radiator and switch it over to your new radiator (unless your radiator came with a fan) If you're putting a used one in, make sure to flush it first, and also pay attention for leaks while flushing it. If you notice a leak, at least it saved you the problem of putting it in all the way and then discovering it, then just repeat the steps backwards. When disconnecting or reconnecting the hoses, you may need to finaggle the radiator a little to get the right angle on the hose clamps to get them off, but it's pretty easy. Also, make sure that when you put the clamps and hoses back on, that they are not twisted and that the clamps will be easy to access in case this ever needs done again. As far as changing anything at the same time, unless a hose, fan, or clamp is shot, the radiator is pretty much standalone on all escort models. After you're finished putting it back together and hooking up the fan wire and hoses, just fill it up and cap it and you're ready to go. I recommend going ahead and putting fresh antifreeze in it too.

Thanks for your help

Originalmink85: I'd like to thank you for a very clear detailed answer - much appreciated.

I am having to put in antifreeze every 2days because of a bad leek in the radiator! How much would it cost to repair the radiator and is stop leek a good fix temporarily and what kind should I buy? I also have problems with the alignment the front wheel shakes really bad. What could be causing that?

How would you know if the radiator needs replaced?