Leaks...AHH...Help!

[Ludigdrums]

Okay, so I think my Vettes playing around with me, cause everytime I finally get one thing fixed, something else decides to show itself as a problem. Gotta love it!

Anyhow, I have a few leaks. One is Antifreeze and the other is power steering fluid. Now, I've put some leak sealer power steering fluid in, but I don't think it's helping. The previous owner had most of the steering repaired a little over 2 years ago, but it was only like 2k miles ago. I don't know where that would stand as far as the shop warranteeing it. Anyone ever have any luck with fluid that's supposed to also stop leaks?!?!

Now, the real question is, I can't figure out where the antifreeze is coming from. None of the hoses feel wet. I can see it coming out of the left of the radiator out of the bottom of the car. But the radiator is so covered up, I can't really see where it's coming out of. What's my best route here? Replace the radiator? Try stop leak for that too? I've already repositioned the upper hose as when I would squeeze it, I could hear some air coming out. I'm pretty sure though that it's not coming from there.

Sorry so long winded. Thanks!

- Jeremy

[cntrhub]

"I can see it coming out of the left of the radiator out of the bottom of the car." OK, where is this left? Left, when you look at the car standing at the front, or sitting in the car? If the radiator cap is on the left (your description) replace the radiator cap. But to really find that leak, you need to pressurize the system to pinpoint where it is coming from.
The pressure kit should have adaptors for the radiator cap also. If the cap will not hold 15psi and drops to zero, it's the cap.
There are special P/S wrenches that are used to R&R the P/S hoses from the pump and steering box. I would clean the hose end fittings with brake clean, or contact cleaner. Start the car and then watch the hose fittings for a leak. Next would be to take a mirror and look behind and under the steering pump housing. Take a paper towel to the bottom of the steering pump and see if there is a fresh clean red oil on the towel? Don't waste your time rebuilding the pump, just replace with new. If you do, I have a trick to prime the new pump.

[Ludigdrums]

Cool cntrhub thanks!

I meant the drivers side for left. That seems to be the standard with when ordering parts anyhow.

I will try that cap thing. The other thing that was weird was there was plenty of fluid in the overflow container. But the radiator itself was low. I understand that it could have losts its prime.

I've toyed around with what "R&R" means, as I've seen it written on invoices, but don't really know what it means...please enlighten me!

Thanks for your great advise...I will try tomorrow!

- Jeremy

[cntrhub]

You are welcome Lud. Top off the coolant level with distilled water in the radiator. I didn't see where you live, but you might want to make sure you are coolant safe on the freeze side. Adding distilled instead of coolant will compromise the efficiency, if you are in a cold area this coming winter. Once you have the new cap, run the car and let it go through a heat cycle. Then check the reservoir for a low level. Since the cap's internals will open when hot, it will take what coolant it needs from the reservoir and then the radiator should have the correct contents when you turn the engine off. Top off the reservoir and read the "add when hot/cold?" Which ever it says?
Yes, the standard left/right description is sitting in the car. I just had to check.....you never know?
R&R simply means.....Remove & Replace.
I hope the cap was it? If not, you will need to take it to a radiator shop and have them pressure test it for you.
Thanks for the kind words Jeremy.

[Yoda]

- Jeremy,

Have you run the engine and watched for the leak? Sometimes you can find the leak by starting the car and letting it get up to operating temp (allowing the thermostat to open).

There is kind of a weak link in our cooling system (CA 1980's and all unmodified 1981's) the intake manifold can leak due to the different metal used (Aluminum) and the steel heads. It starts as a seeping leak but I've seen it spray a small stream as the corrosion gets worse. This is a possiblity esp. if you have checked all other source for a possible leak

The power steering unit Check the hose connections at the control valve and the power steering pump.. here again worst case it could be the pump or the control valve, either can be rebuilt or replaced. If you put in Power Steering in the Search section for C3 you'll find all kinds of information on this subject

Enjoy the

Bud