I have a coolant leak that has gradually gotten faster?

Tiny
ANGIESCADDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CADILLAC CATERA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I have a coolant leak that has gradually gotten faster. The coolant leaks out of a crack in the black plastic casing just to the right of the radiator. I'm not sure if I will need to replace a hose or the entire radiator. My husband has tried to patch the leak, but every time I travel more than 10 miles at a time it cracks back open again, leaks out and overheats. Is there any way to just replace the cracked part or will I need a new radiator?
Thursday, August 27th, 2009 AT 11:18 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

If there is a crack in the radiator side tank, it will need to be replaced. Years ago, they weren't made of plastic and could be fixed. With plastic, it doesn't work.

Here is a link to help get you started. It explains in general how one is replaced. Use this to help guide you through the procedure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

If you look at the attachments below, they are specific to your vehicle.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The black plastic part is a part of the radiator, so you will have to replace the whole radiator.
The radiator is a pressurized unit and typically any type of patch will eventually leak.
Keep in mind this type of leak usually gets worse as you are already experiencing. It can also just get bad enough that it will allow all of the coolant to escape in a short period of time.

Here are couple of helpful articles on radiator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-radiator-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

I have attached replacement procedure diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Tuesday, September 21st, 2021 AT 8:45 PM

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