Cooling System Problems

[jrm81bu]

The hose connection is tight.

Should there be any air hissing at all from the rad at any time? If I squeeze the hose i hear the air pushing out.

Only if the pressure exceeds what the cap is rated for. And then it would allow air or coolant to flow in to the overflow tank.

If you're sure the hose and/or connection isn't leaking then I would be looking strongly at the radiator itself. The next problem is if you have it full of coolant and start the car and get it up to temp, if there's a leak it will start leaking coolant. You may want to try to rent a cooling system pressure tester, it will allow you to pressurize the system and look for leaks.

 

[gbodyera]

Ok. Just for reference. IS there any for sure way to tell when a water pump goes bad?

 

[dan2286]

Ok. Just for reference. IS there any for sure way to tell when a water pump goes bad?

There is a hole or two on the water pump called weep holes. If there is any coolant coming out of them, the water pump is bad.

 

[Phoenyx]

If it's just a small leak from the rad. Go to a GM dealership and buy some rad pellets. Only cost about $10 and work like magic.

 

[MULL0140]

Hello:

Have also had similar issues with old radiators before. If the radiator core is cracked above
the water line, there will be steam, but not antifreeze. Some mechanics say you can keep the
radiator cap off when the engine is running to see a "flow" in the coolant bubbling up if
the water pump is working. The upper hose is most likely "soft" because no system pressure
can build up with the radiator core leak. As the other reply indicated, a bad water pump
may "weep" and/or be "noisey" due bad bushing/bearing/broken impeller.
Start with a NEW radiator, and go from there.
Mark