thidthad

About 5 months ago I flushed my coolant, replaced the upper and lower hoses, and replaced the thermostat. I followed the Helms directions exactly. A few months after this, I noticed that the top of my radiator was covered with dried coolant (see picture). I also noticed that my reservoir tank was empty. So, I filled the reservoir tank and bled the system to make sure no air was in the lines. I checked yesterday, and the reservoir is empty again with the top of my radiator covered in coolant. What gives? Am I doing something wrong? Help me troubleshoot this issue. Thank you.

Zbone

WHen you refilled the coolant, did you open the bleed nipple to let the air out of the engine? if not, you get air pockets in the coolant passages that expand as the get hot, forcing coolant out of the overflow tank.


Are you running hot as well?

thidthad

Yes, I bled the nipple by the thermostat multiple occasions.

Temp needle is right below the middle mark. It has not overheated at all.

Lenin

I'd say it sounds like a crack in the radiator or the cap isnt on tight.... i could be completely wrong... just throwing some ideas. Year/mileage of the car? Why did you replace the thermostat/hoses anyways, were you having a similar problem beforehand?

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thidthad

2001, around 90K miles.

I replaced the hoses due to regular maintenance. There are no leaks when I park the car....

Zbone

Time for a new radiator, most likeley... It seems to have a small crack somewhere on the plastic top. If you don't change it soon, it'll burst and be very messy.

Moonraker

Mine did the same thing. A small and thin as hair crack at the top of the radiator near the cap. Keep the engine running with the air conditioning on, hood closed and rev it to 3,000-4,000 rpm until it reaches normal temp. Sooner or later you will see the little drop of coolant flowing out.