Radiator leak

[sean]

So I have been constantly losing coolant over the past week and a half. I have been finding pools of it on my driveway. Finally tackling the issue tonight. It seems to be coming from the base of the rad and but also may be from the small hole at the bottom of the rad. No leaky hoses could be found.
So my question is can a radiator leak from the panels and if so, does this mean I need to replace it? Is that a tough job and does anyone know the associated cost of one of these?
Here are a few pics of the drivers side underside of the rad. It seems to be everywhere because it splashed on the protective plate and pooled. So I have wiped it clean and hopefully can determine where it is originating from.
I keep topping it up. Is it ok to still drive the deli as long as I keep the levels up?
Thanks
Sean

[Jester]

as long as you keep a constant watch over the coolant level, you can drive it a bit, though I wouldn't take it for any long drives.
The moment you see that needle going up higher than normal, PULL OVER and cool it down. No "well, I'm almost home" type of stuff. lol
Fix it soon. Rad leaks can only get worst with time.

It's impossible to tell for sure where it's coming from on the pictures, but if it's not a hose, it could be either a broken weld from vibrations, cracked plastic housing or a hole in a vein.
I'd suggest for you to dry it off completely, then top it up, start the van up and carefully try to see if you see t coming out of a specific spot.
Garages sometimes add a compound that glows in UV light to the coolant to see where the leak is. But if you're loosing a bunch- to the point of a puddle on the driveway, you should be able to spot it- but you probably do need the van running to see it.

I wouldn't bother trying to weld or patch if it's a hole in the rad. Just replace it. not worth the hassle.

[sean]

Thanks Jester,
I went to Canadian tire and bought a stop a leak compound. Poured it in and ran the van for 30 minutes. Put a piece of cardboard under for the night and will see if there is any more leak. Reading the Russet manual it also had a road trip emergency fix a leak solution. Pour a raw egg into the rad . Hello Red Green...

Sean

[Jester]

Personally I wouldn't use the 'stop leak' stuff.
first off, it's a band-aid temporary solution, that rad IS going to start leaking eventually, as the hole is still there.
secondly I'm wandering what other nooks and crannies in the engine that compound might get into, as it travels through the cooling system.
And if that's the case, would a regular engine flush get rid of it, once the rad is permanently fixed.

Glad you got it fixed for now, but watch it like a hawk.

[GREENME@U]

hey there Sean about that rad leak,that stop leak turns into a gaskit when it hits air it ok to use but when u take the rad off u need to take a hose and give it a good flush ive been way up a loggin road 4byin before with my friend thats a mechanic we where in a old jeep and we got a rad leak lol he had eggs in is emergency kit worked great to get home thats about it.....just like stop leak it turns into a gaskit when it hits air! now that what i call jimmy rigged! pm me if you need help taking your rad out i know where i can get u one here in courtenay!

[Youbou]

[GREENME@U]

good to know good to know!