Help! Need some advice on Anti-freeze, mine leaked out.

D

Denise1952

Well-known Member
I have my radiator filled up with water, just so I could get down to the Store for anti-freeze. I used a Gallon, full gallon, of water before it topped off by the way. I had a new radiator and hoses put in back home in Roseburg, last Spring. It's never been quite right, but I can't get to a mechanic, nor the one that did the work. So I just want to try and keep it going as I plan to move after Feb.

Ok, so now I have the big jut of Prestone "concentrated", a radiator full of water, and need some advice on getting enough antifreeze in there to get me through these freezing temps at night. I can't crawl under my truck, but there is a neighbor that would help me but they are gone. Maybe won't be back tonight.

I was wondering if while I'm running the truck, the water still goes down a little. So if I just put as much anti freeze as I can could that be enough? I know this will sound stupid but I am thinking 1/2 a cup might fit in, at best:( Hep me, hep me, LOL!!

Wait, how about sucking some water out with a straw:lofl:
 

yes, pretty sure that's how my friend Danny drained it. I don't know if I can do it though John. It takes 1/2 and 1/2 I see, half water, half anti F. I'll see what I can find as far as a valve. I'm just afraid if I was to get down on the ground, I may not get back up, plus I'm not sure what to empty the water into. We are in this Park so they are sooooo picky and I can't tell for sure how much of my anti F was left, I don't think much. The rad took a gal of water, and it a B3000 Mazda pickup, like a Ford Ranger so not sure of Rad capacity??
 

Ok John,

I got it. I had trouble, but I finally covered my engine/radiator/hoses with a blanket, then two more on top for good measure. Tomorrow I will be able to see again (daylight) and I can empty the rad. and add my 50/50 mix. Thanks buddy for answering my cry for help;) Happy New year to you John!!

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A leak in the cooling system can be hard to find, if it is a small leak. Could be radiator, hose, heater core, heater hose, water pump...anything. If you can't get to a shop/mechanic soon, you might go to an auto parts store or a Walmart, etc., and buy a bottle of "Bar's Leak Radiator Stop Leak". A 16 oz. bottle should cost about $6, and for a 4 cylinder engine, 1/2 bottle should be about right. Put it in, and drive for several miles, to let the cooling system warm up good. Keep the remainder handy, and also keep a jug of 50/50 anti freeze with you as you drive around. Don't let the engine overheat, as that could result in some serious repair costs.
 
Ok Don, that sounds like something to try next. My friend Danny found this itti, bitti hose thing that wasn't connected right. But then, these months later, I find I am leaking, VERY slow, but have to watch it. I will do like you say and give'er a try, thank you much and happy happy new years!!
 
Is it leaking so that you can see evidence of a leak in the spot where you park? It would look sort of greenish and maybe a little iridescent, and there will be blow-by on the engine/in the engine compartment.
 
No but that happens with my nose, LOL, I'm sorry Georgia, LOL!

Ok, on occasion, I will see a bit of a puddle, but it is about the size of a 45 record (remember those;) ). I dropped the ball instead of keeping an eye on it. I figure some mechanic says he fixed it, I know, never trust a mechanic. I am going to do Don's idea as I haven't tried it, Stop Leak, or whatever. Then carry 1/2 and 1/2 mix of antifreeze, checking the RAD probably ever week.

I get a bit of red rust still, on and around the cap, even after 3 flushes, if that's what blow by is. Happy New Year Georgia!!
 
nwlady said:
Ok, on occasion, I will see a bit of a puddle, but it is about the size of a 45 record (remember those;) ). I dropped the ball instead of keeping an eye on it. I figure some mechanic says he fixed it, I know, never trust a mechanic. I am going to do Don's idea as I haven't tried it, Stop Leak, or whatever. Then carry 1/2 and 1/2 mix of antifreeze, checking the RAD probably ever week.
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The size of a 45 record?!?

That's a pretty big leak. Leaks that size often start off the size of a 78, and then they move quickly to a 33-1/3!!! :eek:

Seriously, that's more than just a "little leak" - try to get it taken care of before too long.

I think "blow-by" would be indications of antifreeze on the inside of the hood, on your air filter, outside surfaces of hoses and wires, etc. I've had blow-by in a few of my cars - it ain't pretty. :(
 
Ok Phil, no blow-by that anyone, or I have seen. The last puddle I saw was very small, but I realize a 45 was exaggerating. The biggest problem is, it was leaking when I wasn't looking, which I don't check like I should. I'll try the stop-leak but also take your advice and get it checked by someone when I can. Thanks much, and thanks Georgia, I don't think I thanked you too;) denise
 
That is the RAD for the '94 B3000 Mazda PU by the way. I have a pan to catch the water etc. Can I pull out the plug with my hand or do I need a tool? Can someone come over, :lofl:
 
On most Cars/pickups, the drain plug is at the lowest point of the drivers side of the radiator...usually facing towards the rear of the vehicle. Per your picture, the small "nipple" on the lower Right is probably the plug. Most of the time, a simple pair of pliers is about the only tool needed to loosen it. On Most vehicles, there is a "ridge" that can be gripped by the pliers, and most turn CCW to loosen. Once you start to loosen it, fluid should start to flow...Don't try to remove the plug completely. If you just want to drain it partially, re-tighten the plug when you feel you have let enough out. The best way is to drain it completely, then refill it with fresh water 2 or 3 times to Flush out most of the dirt and goo, before adding the new Anti-Freeze. However, that is a bit of a time consuming Warm Day project, or something better left to a mechanic.
 
Oh thanks Don, the warmest the day is gonna get is 50 which is right about now, so I'm headed out in a few;) Will take a flashlight and see what I can see;) I do add the stop-leak after the rad is full again right? I read that so think it's right;) denise
 
If you buy some Stop Leak, just follow the instructions on the label. Usually, you add the stop leak, top off the radiator, then drive the car a bit to allow the solution to circulate completely.

This is a bad time of year to have any car problems, unless you have a heated garage to work in.
 
All done. I was able to do most on my own, and then my friend Dan showed up, and he and his dad looked it over and said they are fairly certain the water is coming out through the cap. So first, I'm going to replace the RAD cap, then I have my anti freeze in the truck so I can watch it close and fill up if I need it.

Thanks all for your help. The stop-leak will be my next move if the new cap doesn't do the trick;) denise
 
Ah, Yes...the radiator cap....I forgot about that. An old cap could easily have a bad gasket, or a worn pressure spring...and cause a leak when the engine gets hot and begins to pressurize the radiator. If that fixes your problem it will be an easy fix. You should be able to get a new cap for under $10. When you replace it, be careful, and do not open the cap when the engine is hot. If there is a pressure buildup, and you open the cap, you could be scalded by hot water/antifreeze mix....best time to replace the cap would be first thing in the morning, Before you start up the engine.
 
Ok, thanks for that Don, I will do as you say. I am going tomorrow to get one, but will wait to put it on the next morning;) That way I'll be sure I'm ok to switch it out. I had seen rusty water around the cap, and so had every guy that worked on my truck but I guess none of us had the smarts to try a new cap. Plus, I "assumed" when I got a brand, new rad I would get a new cap as well fer cryin out loud. So much I don't understand. Oh well, I must have a guardian angel because that's a 94, and it's never broken down on me, never been stranded. Only had to have the tow truck come I think 4 times in all these years, to get my keys out for me, LOL! I'd say it's a good truck;) It's got 162k on it and I am betting it will be going for quite awhile yet;) Good thing, doubt I'll ever be able to afford another;) Thanks so much Don,

Denise
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Yup, rusty water residue around the cap is a sure sign of a problem in that area. Usually when a radiator cap is working properly, any overflow goes into the Overflow tank...and not out onto the radiator surface....It sounds like this is your real problem. I would try the cap first, and keep the Stop Leak in the back of your mind if you have further troubles.

I, too, have an older truck, a '97 Dodge Dakota 4WD SLT. It only has about 85K on it, and looks/runs like new. We keep it because living way out in the country, we need a good 4WD vehicle, in case we have to go somewhere in bad weather. I look at new trucks occasionally, see $40K to $60K on the sticker price, and then give the old Dodge a pat on the fender. If I can keep it running like this, I may keep it forever. It's gas mileage isn't that great, but no more than I drive it, it would take 3 lifetimes to break even on fuel savings.
 
Oh right on Don, I feel pretty much the same about my truck. Although a lot more mileage and a couple dents. It's only a 2-wheeler but what I love about mine is the cab-plus area, and the ease of hauling things in the back. I bought a canopy for it shortly after I bought it. The gas mileage is good on mine and I figured way back it was cheaper to put new parts in then buy another.

Thanks again for all your helpful info;) It got down to freezing last night again but I was secure knowing I had my truck prepared;) You can bet this silly broads going to keep a closer eye on things, and it will be easier with my retirement money coming in finally, when things need attention;)
 
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