1994 Honda Prelude radiator

1994 HONDA PRELUDE
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FLEAJ5
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
hello, I bougt a 94 honda prelude SI with 160k miles about 2 months ago. Today I drove the car for about hour and returned home and parked it. About 4 hours later i went outside and saw a large puddle of antifreeze on the ground. I filled the radiator back up and it leaked from the top plastic piece for about 5 minutes and then stopped leaking. I started the car to running temp and still no leak. Im assuming the radiator is bad but just confused to why it is not leaking now. thanks for your input
Apr 23, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi fleaj5,

Sometimes leaks don't occur till the temp increases up and pressure builds up. For radiator top tank to leak, if you look carefully, you would notice the leak.


If the level is below the leaking area, it would be less noticeable. Topping up with coolant is not sufficient, as air could be trapped and when air gets to the top tank, the level decreases, thus no leak.
Apr 27, 2009 at 9:34 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.