Coolant dripping just below radiator cap?

Tiny
RICHARD SMITH6
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 NISSAN TITAN
  • 5.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 285,000 MILES
I thought I had a bad radiator cap, but a new one on, and still has coolant dripping from the overflow hose that is just below cap, the hose goes over to top of reservoir bottle. I replaced the hose sense it was factory OEM never changed. And still no matter how tight I get the clamp it still drips from right at the hose/nipple below radiator cap. I checked to see if the nipple was cracked, couldn't find a crack. The cap for this radiator has a seal but doesn't have a spring-loaded plunger to close off coolant flow from going to the bottle until it warms up like most caps do. I'm not up to speed on what I'm calling a free flow coolant system.
Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 8:32 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
So, it looks like the radiator cap is not supposed to hold pressure, this is done by the reservoir cap. If you upload an image of the leak I can tell for sure. To me it sounds like the radiator itself does have a crack which can be difficult to see.

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

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

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response to the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Thursday, February 1st, 2024 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
RICHARD SMITH6
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  • 27 POSTS
Going on your reply, I've ordered a new reservoir cap (no one stock it around here). I'll get a video of the leaking hose and nipple upload soon.
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Sunday, February 4th, 2024 AT 4:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sounds good, but I think the radiator is leaking FYI. Please let me know.
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Monday, February 5th, 2024 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
RICHARD SMITH6
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  • 27 POSTS
Going to pressure test system once I get new cap.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice, here is a guide to help you with the pressure test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
RICHARD SMITH6
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Well, a new radiator has been ordered. Factory radiator is cracked at overflow nipple. Instead of a repair that might not hold for long, I just opted for a new radiator, they aren't that costly for my truck, less than $100. I might as well do a new thermostat at the same time. Thanks for the help.
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Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,289 POSTS
Yep, good call, radiators are not too bad price wise. Please let us know if you need any more help to get you through the repair job. Take your time and you will get through it. Please keep the coolant away from animals. It says you need to remove the intake manifold to replace the thermostat FYI. Please start a new question for the intake r&r instructions.

Here is how to change the thermostat to help you as well. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Thursday, February 8th, 2024 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
RICHARD SMITH6
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Sorry it's been so long sense last post. I installed new radiator and reservoir bottle, problems solve with leak. Then the other morning the temp would not switch to hot for defrost or heat. After some investigating it turns out my heater control valve quit working. I ordered a new one. Always something it seems, lol.
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Friday, May 10th, 2024 AT 2:31 AM
Tiny
RICHARD SMITH6
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Heat comes on when it wants to. I haven't replaced the heater control valve yet (still in shipping) but driving home this morning the heat just started working (i forgot and left the switch turn to max heat).
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Friday, May 10th, 2024 AT 12:58 PM

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