[Daddio]

So where do I start? My recently acquired 2001 Astro has a leaking radiator. The coolant is draining off the driver's side plastic tank. Are there common issues with this type of radiator? This year/model? I saw one comment on the web about 2001 having a complicated radiator. Easier to swap or repair? Do I need to duck my head if I admit using Alumaseal already? It didn't work on this one.
Oh, and is the correct fluid red? Who the heck chose red for coolant?
Thanks,
D²

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Welcome!
I would just replace it with a used one or a new one. Depending on how much you want to spend. Then while your doing that give the system a good flush to get all that sealer stuff out. Is it leaking tranny fluid or coolant? Might wanna check for sure and if its tranny fluid better check the tranny fluid level then.

 

[astro355]

I'm betting the OP is talking about Dexcool. And if that is the case, I would definitely flush and reflush that system and rid yourself of that stuff before it causes other problems.

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Isn't that the stuff that causes gasket problems or is that something else? I'm not up on all the newer fluids. :whack:

 

[rev_les]

Dexcool is fine unless it gets contaminated, the bad part, is it typically gets contaminated and becomes corrosive. As for the plastic tank on the radiator, I had mine replaced for 75 bux and it's been fine for over 100K now.The problem with the plastic tank radiators , however, isn't the coolant, it's the heat over time, and it's always just the one side that bursts.

edit....add on... To avoid trouble, i agree with flushing the system and using plain old green coolant.

 

[mattsrevenge]

ill 3x the green stuff. but- even with the green (my 96 has been using since 99-00) in the system, my drivers side (front of vehicle) plastic tank on the side of the rad cracked too. i paid 147$ (no core) for a stock new. i still have the old one in great shape, just cracked plastic.

its not a tough job to replace, i love the quick connect on the oil/trans.

 

[rev_les]

You should get the old one fixed,it's always the drivers side that cracks,i asked the guy that fixed mine about doing both sides while i had it there, he told me he's never seen the other side crack, and doesn't carry it because of that. My transmission guy informed me that they also crack inside to the trans cooler part, and get coolant into the transmission. I bypassed the trans part and just run a big cooler once i heard that one!

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

^Yikes! Why you gotta go and scary people like that! :lol:

 

[Jasen]

Is it leaking or seeping?

My Wrangler has the plastic tank rad as well. Usually during drastic weather/temp swings, it'll seep for a little while, then stop. It's been doing it for a few years and never gott'n any worse, so I just keep my eye on the over flow tank. If it's more then a little seepage, then replacement might be in order.

 

[Matrixx]

Just a heads up on this subject, is to replace the radiator cap every few years.

When the cap ages, it gets sticky and doesn't release the pressure the way it should. This puts a lot of strain on components like the plastic tank. This happened to me, and I had to replace my radiator (leaking tank) because of it (Faulty Radiator Cap).

 

[astro355]

Just a heads up on this subject, is to replace the radiator cap every few years.

When the cap ages, it gets sticky and doesn't release the pressure the way it should. This puts a lot of strain on components like the plastic tank. This happened to me, and I had to replace my radiator (leaking tank) because of it (Faulty Radiator Cap).

Yup, the radiator cap is just like a PCV valve in that aspect, since they seldom get changed.

 

[Daddio]

Am I stuck with this plastic tank radiator or are there aftermarket units that are better, but won't empty my wallet? What am I saying - it's already empty.