my dang ol heep is leaking coolant from somewhere...

[76k5grrl]

I think it's time to replace the radiator, which is not a job I want to do, or pay for. But this thing is just so reliable I really can't NOT do it.

I've been smelling coolant for a little while now- thought it was a leaky heater core or something. But the other day I drove it to work, and when I went to leave- it was totally deal- like WTF dead. When I opened the hood the neg battery cable had kind of jumped off the post- another WTF because I have no idea how THAT happened.

Anyway, in opening the hood, I see something blown all over the fan shroud and onto the intake, and some other places had little droplets, like maybe it had hit the fan or the belt and been slung around.

It's definitely coolant but I'll be damned if I can tell where it's coming from!! Top end ONLY.... no signs of leaking at water pump or anywhere else. Hoses all look good and securely connected. Cap looks fine and there is no evidence of it coming from there anyway. Coolant levels are normal. Operating temp is normal and stable. Wondering if a hairline crack in the radiator could cause this if I was running it hard?

 

[Kain]

might have to heat it up then check it to find it

 

[1BEATK5]

Look for crusty dried coolant around the top of the radiator. Where the crimp is. They are famous for leaking there

 

[76zimmer]

^ agree...usually a little drizzle will leave a trail down the radiator fins, and you might not see the leak until the system gets pressure on it.

 

[muddermilitia]

I think Autozone will rent out cooling system pressure testers

 

[Kain]

They do

 

[76k5grrl]

After the holidays I'm going to replace the radiator. Stay tuned for that potential debacle....

A few years ago someone hit me on the front passenger's side bumper. I'm a little concerned about the grill being squished up a little now.

Power steering pump also needs replacing. Maybe that too, as long as it's going to be taken apart

 

[blazinzuk]

Replacing the radiator is very simple. I forget what kind of jeep is it?

 

[76zimmer]

After the holidays I'm going to replace the radiator. Stay tuned for that potential debacle....

A few years ago someone hit me on the front passenger's side bumper. I'm a little concerned about the grill being squished up a little now.

Power steering pump also needs replacing. Maybe that too, as long as it's going to be taken apart

There is a detailed procedure for bleeding the air from the ps system be sure to follow it
Good luck Sara

 

[76k5grrl]

2001 wrangler, and thanks Dave- I suppose I would have read that eventually. The power steering pump has been "on its way out" for --- a couple years. Hahahaaaa.... I guess it's time

 

[blazinzuk]

Well that's good the radiator and the power steering pump is super easy to do

 

[76k5grrl]

I'm replacing the radiator today. Got all my ducks in a row, just waiting on the engine to cool down from the collection trip. I know it's a no-no to drive it when you know you have a cooling system issue but it was a short trip and sometimes it can't be helped. I've opted out of the power steering project for now.

Which may be a small regret because I've just noticed the power steering fluid reservoir is mounted to the fan shroud. Fn jeep.

 

[Kain]

Good luck

 

[76k5grrl]

Some fail.

Looks like that crack was probably the problem. Unfortunately, it appears there is a larger problem.

I guess it was quite a while ago, I was hit by some idiot on her cell phone in the passenger's side bumper. It was almost like a tbone, except she literally hit me dead on the bumper. I guess I knew it was messed up, but damn.

It drives fine.

Is that a total girl thing to say?? It really does!!! And none of the suspension or steering looks damaged!

 

[76zimmer]

is the core support tweaked from the accident?
Radiators really like to just "float" on their mounts, not be subject to twisting forces or mounted that way.
Am I seeing the fan offset in the shroud now?

 

[76k5grrl]

So working on the jeep is always a love/hate thing- it's infinitely reliable and obviously indestructible, but even the 2.5 is crammed in there really tight and there's ALWAYS some unforseen little stupidness.

In this case, the power steering res being attached to the fan shroud prevented me from completely removing the shroud, lest I invent a much larger sized project for myself. This is a real pain in the ass.

Also my freakin fan shroud is broken, big surprise.

And the aftermarket radiator could not accomodate the OEM screws to hold the shroud on, so I had to go buy larger screws.

I got the top end done- I had a fear it wasn't going to go back together after seeing how warped the radiator was- but it went in easier then it came out. (that's what she said?)

Of course, though, the lower radiator hose clamp by the block is stuffed up next to the water pump and I can't get any tool I have in there to open the OEM clamp.

Any ideas how to pry that clamp loose in the very tight space???

I'm just OVER IT tonight.

 

[76k5grrl]

Well, it's really the shroud that is offset, not the fan, but yes.

 

[76zimmer]

is the hose clamp the spring type..

a pair of clamp pliers is best,

but most don't have them...I use regular pliers on them for the most part, but sounds like you don't have room to get to it?

 

[76k5grrl]

I might have room in the morning.

Yes, it's a spring clamp, and in 13 years it's never been removed. The other ones were a real pain. But I managed to break them free with a vice grip.

I don't know what I'm going to be able to fit in there. By the time I got to that I was so disappointed in the fan shroud screw business I was ready to kill someone.

 

[diesel4me]

Many newer vehicles use those sucky spring clamps,and are put in locations no tools can get at them--they invented these nifty expensive pliers to remove and install them with---might see if you can borrow a pair from someone..