I've been noticing a coolant smell lately and decided to pull the front bumper to investigate. It looks like coolant is leaking from the top of the passenger's side radiator. Check out the first four pics here (note - first three pics are what I saw when I removed bumper; last pic is after pressurizing system to about 12 - 14psi):

https://picasaweb.google.com/twbarch...eat=directlink

I presume this has to be a failed radiator? Does it make sense to replace both left and right (or all three)?

Thanks.

 

yea time to replace..

 

Yes it is. I really like your set up for the oil change (red device). It catch everything without overflowing?

 

just change what's leaking. no need to touch the other side that isn't messed up.

if there is a hose connecting to the top of that radiator, i would tighten it.

replacing any rubber hoses may be a good idea.

use porsche coolant to replace what you have. it's expensive but will last longer. they are usually pink.

 

jpflip - yeah, it has an output pipe, and i just stick a five gallon gas container under it. The very first time I changed oil on the car I realized seconds after I opened the drain bolt that I didn't check the valve on the pan/container setup - luckily it was open. What a mess that would've been!

djantlive - okay, thanks. Is there any way to tell whether the hoses are getting worn or not? To be honest, I would prefer to disconnect as little as possible, as I feel that minimizes the risk of some other leak.

Porsche coolant - are there non-Porsche brand substitutes that are essentially the same thing?

Bleeding process - I have heard that a vacuum system is required. Any way to do this job without vacuum?

I've already got the bumper off the car, so I'm tempted to replace the radiator (and maybe the hoses) myself; fill as best I can with distilled water then take it to an Indie for coolant / flush. Any reason not to do this?

Thanks.

 

whats that stuff infront of your house? guess you don't have to mow your lawn in the winter !!!what a deal ,i'd replace the one leaking

 

It was a pretty rough winter

 

you can use VW / Audi coolant. there are several types and you need to get the one compatible. their latest is G13 I think which is compatible with all previous versions. be sure to flush out the old coolant.

i haven't done the flush myself but renntech.org should have some how-to.