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Radiator Leak

  • Thread starter Thread starter pizon
  • Start date Start date Jul 4, 2009

pizon

New Member
May 6, 2006
14
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0
Midwest
Jul 4, 2009
#1
  • Jul 4, 2009
  • #1
1997 3.8L V6 Manual
On the bottom of the radiator, passenger side, there is a small "tube", about 1/2" long next to the wing nut. There is nothing connected to it and it is leaking about a dime size amount of antifreeze overnight. I just replaced the water pump, alternator, and thermostat. What is this "tube" and why is it leaking?
 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
3,133
18
108
Chicagoland
Jul 4, 2009
#2
  • Jul 4, 2009
  • #2
That wingnut is the petcock for the radiator drain, which is the tube with nothing attached. I bet there's some sediment in the valve that's preventing it from closing completely, so it's dripping a little bit. Try giving it a quick turn open and closed, so you don't leak out more than a few drips and see if it's enough to make it seal.
 

pizon

New Member
May 6, 2006
14
0
0
Midwest
Jul 4, 2009
#3
  • Jul 4, 2009
  • #3
Thanks for the response. I'll give that a try.
 
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