Coolant Leak

[Neumayrb]

Hello Everyone,

First off, not super familiar with vehicles, but wanted to learn so I went and bought a jeep. It has ran just fine, although recently the lower radiator hose began to leak. I figured it was just old, so I went and replaced the hose. Leak went away for a few days, now it is back.

The leak occurs at the connection between the hose and the radiator. When I replaced the hose I checked the radiator connection and there didn't seem to be any damage or cracks. Is this something that is common? Could it be something with the thermostat and there is just too much pressure in the hose?

Your help is greatly appreciated!

If there is any other information I need to provide, let me know! I am still a newbie so please forgive my ineptitude.

 

[hole]

Couple of things come to mind. If your sure the radiator itself has no cracks/issues, check to make sure coolant is not running down from higher up (IE weep hole on pump). What type of clamp are you using? Spring type or band clamp? All metal radiator or newer style with aluminum fins and plastic tanks top and bottom?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I double clamp my radiator hoses.
LG

 

[Neumayrb]

Couple of things come to mind. If your sure the radiator itself has no cracks/issues, check to make sure coolant is not running down from higher up (IE weep hole on pump). What type of clamp are you using? Spring type or band clamp? All metal radiator or newer style with aluminum fins and plastic tanks top and bottom?

Yeah, I just double checked it and I did notice it was coming from the upper part of the hose. It was just hiding on the backside of the hose. Unfortunately, I am using the band clamp. I have read that the spring is better. The radiator has the aluminum fins and plastic tanks.

 

[hole]

Radiator has been changed out then. Personally have had no issues with either type of clamp, but have heard of folks over tightening band clamps to the point of causing leaks.

 

[Torxhead]

Another thing that can help is getting the clamp close to the lip on the outlet.

 

[Neumayrb]

I think I am just going to go and replace both the thermostat and water pump. Since I don't know the last time they were replaced.

Any recommendations on brands for replacement t-stats or water pumps?

Thank you!

 

[mtnwhlr]

Just go to NAPA and get there best. And make sure you get the right one they can turn both ways. And I like to drill a small hole in the flange of the thermostat to let trapped air out.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I think I am just going to go and replace both the thermostat and water pump. Since I don't know the last time they were replaced.

Any recommendations on brands for replacement t-stats or water pumps?

Thank you!

Why fix what ain't broke?
LG

 

[hole]

Agree with mtnwhlr and Lumpy. If theres nothing wrong with either, I'd leave them be. If you do deciede/need to change them, take the water pump in with you to make sure the new one is the same rotation. The 80's CJ's used water pumps on v-belt driven pumps that turned one direction and serpentine belt driven pumps turned the opposite direction. V-belt engines were in 49 state vehicles and serpentine were Ca vehicles due to Ca's stricter emission laws.

 

[cpadget]

Just had to change the water pump in mine 3 weeks ago, for the same symptoms. And yes, mine is a Southern California '83, so I believe it was reverse. One problem that was self inflicted was not paying attention to the torque settings for the water pump. Around 18 psi is correct. Water pump fixed the problem.