Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: Coolant leak

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Coolant leak (1/9)
 5/25/11 9:12pm
lucky1357
Former Member

Send Private Message

uncasville, CT - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniv L82


Joined: 5/7/2011
Posts: 19

Have a 78 L82.....seems I have a coolant leak somewhere.....thought it was the thermostat housing....replaced it. When I bought the car it had no expansion tank. I got one from zips and installed it.....seems as if coolant is somehow leaking out of the cap. Any thoughts on this ...
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
Coolant leak (2/9)
 5/25/11 9:29pm
yostusota
Former Member

Send Private Message

York, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top


Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518

If it is leaking past the cap check the radiator really close..where the cap clicks on may be cracked..or the upper part of the radiator itself..its tough to pressure test for a leak in that area but a very bright flashlight may find some cracks if they are there..don't put a stop leak in the radiator..you will regret it..al lot! It could be the cap gasket also..

Rich

______________

My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Coolant leak (3/9)
 5/25/11 9:30pm
eboLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4420

Do you have a wet spot on the floor, engine, rad, cap, water pump, hoses, ...where?

Evil Smileebo



______________

Click on image for larger view!

LIFETIME MEMBER 151
Evil Smileebo
Coolant leak (4/9)
 5/25/11 10:16pm
lucky1357
Former Member

Send Private Message

uncasville, CT - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniv L82


Joined: 5/7/2011
Posts: 19

I think previous owner put some stopleak in heatercore . Going to replace that soon. Seems coolant is somrhow leaking from expansion cap tank....
Coolant leak (5/9)
 5/25/11 10:20pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

Is it a copper and brass radiator? If so the filler neck may need to be soldered.

______________

Click on images for Before and After pics!
Coolant leak (6/9)
 5/25/11 11:11pm
lucky1357
Former Member

Send Private Message

uncasville, CT - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniv L82


Joined: 5/7/2011
Posts: 19

Not leaking at radiator....seems to be leaking around cap of plastic expansion tank located on inner fenderwell...
Coolant leak (7/9)
 5/25/11 11:15pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

The overflow tank should only be about half full. The cap on top usually has a vent hole or overflow tube on side of tank. If you have it completely full yes it will run out.

______________

Click on images for Before and After pics!
Coolant leak (8/9)
 5/26/11 6:49am
lucky1357
Former Member

Send Private Message

uncasville, CT - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniv L82


Joined: 5/7/2011
Posts: 19

tank wasnt full......
Coolant leak (9/9)
 5/26/11 8:08am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Sounds like the engine is overheating, or the radiator cap is not sealing well, and puking the coolant. The plastic reservoir isn't under pressure. The only way it can come out the top is if it is overfull. If the radiator cap is not holding pressure properly, or is the wrong cap, it can do this.  I would be looking at the radiator cap first, as the culprit....

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Our Sponsors help support C3VR