Minor Coolant Leak at Lower Radiator Hose
05-04-2011, 12:51 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Jacksonville and sometimes St. Aug Beach, FL
Posts: 1,727
Received 341 Likes
on
171 Posts
Minor Coolant Leak at Lower Radiator Hose
Sorry folks, no pics but hopefully my description will suffice....
Finished up TB/WP install this weekend and in process replaced both the Radiator Hoses.
The top hose is fine with no leaking but the lower radiator hose at the radiator has a small drip on the bracket and leaves a spot about the 4" in diameter after 4 hours under the car.
Last night I attempted to rectify this by replacing the stock hose clamp because the replacement hose seemed a bit smaller, clamp bottomed out. I used TWO generic clamps (at the one radiator hose connection) and the leak still persists.
I have read that it's possible something is disrupting the seal of the hose to the lower radiator. I've also read that someone used synthetic grease after cleaning the lower radiator connection to make a seal for the hose.
I'd like some advice before I just slap the old hose back on. It was very satisfying to have the TB/WP done but this is just really driving me nuts
Finished up TB/WP install this weekend and in process replaced both the Radiator Hoses.
The top hose is fine with no leaking but the lower radiator hose at the radiator has a small drip on the bracket and leaves a spot about the 4" in diameter after 4 hours under the car.
Last night I attempted to rectify this by replacing the stock hose clamp because the replacement hose seemed a bit smaller, clamp bottomed out. I used TWO generic clamps (at the one radiator hose connection) and the leak still persists.
I have read that it's possible something is disrupting the seal of the hose to the lower radiator. I've also read that someone used synthetic grease after cleaning the lower radiator connection to make a seal for the hose.
I'd like some advice before I just slap the old hose back on. It was very satisfying to have the TB/WP done but this is just really driving me nuts
05-04-2011, 02:03 AM
#3
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Jacksonville and sometimes St. Aug Beach, FL
Posts: 1,727
Received 341 Likes
on
171 Posts
Thanks, Malcolm.
It is indeed the driver side lower hose attachment point at the radiator. Can see drops of coolant appear on bracket, which then drips on newly installed alternator cooling hose prior to dripping onto concrete, asphalt, etc....
Eerilly similar to this one...
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...m-or-bust.html
and this one....
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...at-change.html
It is indeed the driver side lower hose attachment point at the radiator. Can see drops of coolant appear on bracket, which then drips on newly installed alternator cooling hose prior to dripping onto concrete, asphalt, etc....
Eerilly similar to this one...
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...m-or-bust.html
The irritating coolant leak that I've been chasing the past couple of days stems from two sources:
1. The lower radiator hose. It was moist around the metal clamp and had a drop of coolant on it. I loosened the clamp, re-seated it and tightened it down. Hopefully that one's cured.
<SNIP>
SITM...here I come!
1. The lower radiator hose. It was moist around the metal clamp and had a drop of coolant on it. I loosened the clamp, re-seated it and tightened it down. Hopefully that one's cured.
<SNIP>
SITM...here I come!
and this one....
https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...at-change.html
Well I R&R'd the lower radiator hose from the thermostat elbow. The elbow had a lot of powdery material on its surface. Maybe dried coolant, maybe corrosion. I cleaned it up real good. I put a thin film of silicone grease on the surface and re-installed. I refilled system and ran for 20 minutes or so and it seems OK so far. We'll see.
05-04-2011, 10:47 AM
#4
Team Owner
take a look at the bleeder fitting on the top of the radiator this fitting can also leak,
its usually overtightened and its sealed with an O ring,
coolant will run down the rad and drip off the hose.
other option is to remove the lower hose and with some 400 grit paper sand down the outlet maybe it has a casting ridge on it
its usually overtightened and its sealed with an O ring,
coolant will run down the rad and drip off the hose.
other option is to remove the lower hose and with some 400 grit paper sand down the outlet maybe it has a casting ridge on it
05-04-2011, 10:53 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas!
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
I've had this kind of thing happen too. My theory is that the radiator fitting and the inside of the hose have to be completely dry before reassembling or you risk a slow drip. In cases where even that doesn't produce a perfect seal, I've had success applying a think layer of non-hardening sealer and then clamping it down.
Not sure it's a possibility in your case, but I think people have commented in the past on getting replacement hoses that have slightly different diameters and don't seal as well as Porsche hoses. Last time I replaced one of these I got the new hose from Roger and it fit just right and no leaks.
Not sure it's a possibility in your case, but I think people have commented in the past on getting replacement hoses that have slightly different diameters and don't seal as well as Porsche hoses. Last time I replaced one of these I got the new hose from Roger and it fit just right and no leaks.
