Radiator has a crack?

SHLBTWD

MEMBER
2006 KIA OPTIMA
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
160,000 MILES

The car started with a crack in the radiator in the very top front, it's got the plastic reservoir with the aluminum tabs. I put JB weld brand of the plastic weld on it in so far it's been okay with the holding of the water back. But then I noticed now that my car is getting hot and I'm actually having to put more 50/50 antifreeze and water in it more than ever now but as from before I had not had to do that it drives like it's going to. I don't know, it bogs a lot and then also it shuts off on me while I'm going down the freeway and all the sudden my steering locks up on me as well it's been doing it a lot more lately and worse.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

Hi,

If you are adding coolant more often, is there any evidence of a leak? Also, when you are driving, have you ever noticed any white smoke from the exhaust?

As far as the steering, it likely feels like it locks when the engine stalls. It isn't actually locked. Instead, you lost power assist which makes it much harder to turn.

Take a look through these links and let me know if you are able to find any leaks:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Also, let me know if the check engine light is staying on when the engine is running.

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, August 15th, 2022 AT 9:41 PM

SHLBTWD

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34 POSTS

Yes, the check engine light has been on for a while now, like 3 months.

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Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 AT 7:15 PM

SHLBTWD

MEMBER
34 POSTS

Also, the temperature gauge hasn't worked properly, like since my crank shaft sensor unit went bonkers.

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Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 AT 7:17 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

Hi,

Do you have access to a scan tool? If the check engine light was staying on, there should be diagnostic trouble codes stored that can point us in the right direction.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

Let me know if you can have that done. If you don't have access to one, most parts stores will do it for you free of charge.

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 AT 8:25 PM