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At a crusie-in I noticed a small (6" dia) coolant leak coming from the left side at the bottom of the radiator. There was also a very small amount on the left side frame at the bottom. When I got home I put cardboard under it to determine the exact spot and amount. It has been 2 days and not a drop. Any explanation for this? Thanks, Jim
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Re: C3 coolant leak
When the engine is running the cooling system builds up enough pressure for it to leak.
After it sits, the pressure is not there, therefore no leak. -
Re: C3 coolant leak
Jim-----
You don't mention what year model and drivetrain you have. However, if you have a 1968-72 C3 with aluminum radiator (mostly, base engine cars without M-40 or C-60), the radiator petcock is located on the lower left side. This could be a little loose or otherwise leaking. Otherwise, and regardless of what engine you have, there could be a leak at the lower radiator hose. There are lots of other possibilities, of course, but these are the 2 things that I'd check first.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C3 coolant leak
It is a 71 454 365HP LS5. No lower radiator hose or petcock on the left side. But my question is why did it leak when I got to the cruise-in and not leak when I got home? JimComment
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Re: C3 coolant leak
Jim-----
That part of the question was answered by Dan. When the system is under pressure leaks will be seen that might not be there when the pressure is at ambient.
For your application, the petcock is, indeed, on the right side. So, that couldn't be the source of the problem here. However, you still have a lower radiator hose connected on the left side to the radiator. I'd check the clamp for tightness and the hose for condition.
Of course, the problem could be with the radiator, itself. However, you certainly want to eliminate the easy (and cheap) things before you get into the radiator.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C3 coolant leak
Seems people still mix left and right. Why don't we talk driver and passenger?Comment
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Re: C3 coolant leak
Wayne-----
I agree; I often try to "force myself" to use the terms "driver side" and "passenger side" for just the reason you describe. However, sometimes I "fall back into" left and right terminolgy.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C3 coolant leak
I have found a common problem is a pinhole leak on the upper part under the clamp that holds the top of the copper radiator. Frequently, it is on the front of the radiator.
Often, the rubber pad in the clamp holds the pressure enough that it doesn't leak until the frame twists slightly or the heat/pressure builds up more. At the crusie-in, you may have turned ina drive and twisted slightly, not enough you'd even notice. At home, you probably pulled straight in a driveway from level road.
Pull the left top clamp off and examine the joint carefully where the clamp rests and the tank mates to the core. I bet you find telltale trails of old dried coolant.
Run the car with the clamp off and you may even see steam come out.Comment
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