Fizzing Radiator

[jjbunn]

1985.5 944 NA.

I have a little leak from the driver's side of the radiator. I've checked the (new) hoses and the thermofan switch (new) as well as the drain plug (new), so I'm coming to the conclusion it's the radiator itself. The drip always comes from the tab for the undertray bolt shown in the photo.

I can pump up the pressure in the coolant system to about 10psi (don't want to go higher) using a Mityvac pressure tester ... it very slowly drops, and as it does so I can hear a fizzing sound from the radiator, driver's side. But I can't locate the source of the fizz.

Leaky radiator? Should I replace it or live with it?

[dlearl]

I'd either fix it or replace it. Coolant is deadly to animals, because it smells sweet and can cause liver failure in a mater of hours. May be just a squirrel. May also be your neighbors dog or your cat.

Not to mention, according to Murphy's Law, it will fail at the most inappropriate time.

[mazdaverx7]

It's likely a leak at the seam between the aluminum core and one of the plastic end tanks or a leaking core. The core can get damaged from road debris on rare occasions and can also corrode. I would not hesitate to replace the radiator and any other coolant hoses that seem soft. Its not a terrible job and you can have it done in an afternoon.

[pfarah]

If it's fizzing like you say, then it's done on that side and time to turn it over...
We don't want to burn it, unless you like it Pittsburg Style.

[mytrplseven]

This can only get worse. it's not a big thing to pull the radiator and take it to a radiator shop.

[jjbunn]

OK thanks, guys! I will replace the radiator - I did already have it out of the car recently to clean it, and it's not a big job to remove it again :-)

[Ernie944]

Agree with everybody here ,either get it fix or buy a new one,like said not that hard of a job ,but still will be fun.Take care & make sure the car is jack safely before crawling underneath..

[universeman]

While you're in there, you can inspect timing belts and balance shaft seals by removing timing cover (easiest time to get it off to look at it), inspect water pump and thermostat housing for leaks, possibly replace temperature sender if it's old, and inspect all hoses!

[jjbunn]

Originally Posted by universeman

While you're in there, you can inspect timing belts and balance shaft seals by removing timing cover (easiest time to get it off to look at it), inspect water pump and thermostat housing for leaks, possibly replace temperature sender if it's old, and inspect all hoses!

All done already.