• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Cracked Radiator/Coolant Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Blackrosepet
  • Start date Start date Feb 25, 2010
B

Blackrosepet

New Member
Jan 15, 2006
55
0
0
Feb 25, 2010
#1
  • Feb 25, 2010
  • #1
Timeline:
- at gas station, noticed i was leaking antifreeze, not drops but like a river flowing from under the car.
-nursed it to my mechanic, a short drive away. under the hood showed signs of spatter, the air box was covered with coolant. diagnosis: cracked radiator
-drove it home and parked it for a couple days.

Got tired of it sitting there and started experimenting. I added some coolant and took it for a drive, enough to get it hot and the thermostat open. It gets a tad bit hotter than usual, but not "hot". Maybe to the O in 'normal' on the gauge. Also, nothing is leaking, no drips, no spatter, it's just totally dry. So, what's up with my radiator? How could it leak significantly one day but then not leak at all the next? This car has been known to repair itself. Don't ask.
 

Chythar

Recently finished repairing my rear
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 26, 2004
2,373
140
113
Foothill Ranch, CA
Feb 25, 2010
#2
  • Feb 25, 2010
  • #2
The radiator is definitely cracked. Mustangs are known for cracking radiators on the passenger side, it's a flex point for the chassis. However, it may not leak because the sytem can no longer pressurize. Remember, coolant (water) expands under pressure. The crack is likely allowing steam to vent, thus not letting the coolant system pressurize and work properly. Or it's dribbling a bit of coolant and it's evaporating before it hits the ground. This is a common problem on our cars, and the solution is simply a new radiator.
 

toyman

10 Year Member
Jul 19, 2007
1,944
54
79
Vernon BC
Feb 27, 2010
#3
  • Feb 27, 2010
  • #3
Take the guess work out. Have the system pressure tested. The leak source will be obvious.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Coolant boiling in hose?
  • Teen'93stang5.0
  • Jun 3, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
124
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 8, 2026
Mustang5L5
D
Engine Coolant and Radio Issues
  • Don7Up
  • Sep 14, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
17
Views
572
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 4, 2025
Don7Up
D
Help! Intake Manifold Gasket or Head Gasket?
  • foxbodyclark
  • Oct 4, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 4, 2026
95 Laser GT Ver
Place to Avoid: Jamison Auto Group in Gulfport, MS
  • D Durden
  • Oct 20, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 4, 2026
nickyb
J
Progress Thread Family member 1989 GT- Backstory and updates
  • JRC99
  • Apr 19, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
15
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 26, 2025
JRC99
J
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?