Truck overheating and leaking coolant after accident?

1995 CHEVROLET S-10
5,000 MILES • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ASHLEYNOVOTNY84
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My son has the truck listed above. He rearended a car a few days ago. He added coolant this morning and noticed this afternoon it's low again. He is overheating. Could it be a hose or hole in the radiator?
Sep 15, 2023 at 9:19 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

If the vehicle's front end is what hit the other vehicle, my first suspect would be the radiator is damaged. How bad was the accident? Any pictures of the damage?

Do me a favor, take a look through this link and let me know if it helps:

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

Also, if you are unable to locate the leak, I would suggest pressure testing the system. This is done when the engine is cold. Once pressure is applied, in most cases the leak will become visible.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

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

It does require a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

Take care and let me know if I can help.

Joe
Sep 15, 2023 at 3:07 PM
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