D3 V8 Coolank Leak

[D90]

Hi everyone.
I was driving to work this morning and in the last minute before getting to work I noticed I little bit of water splash on to the windshield after taking off from some lights.
On arrival I noticed a coolant leak and on further investigation there seems to be an obvious cause... The top hose seems to have come loose.
Has anyone seen this before and is it a simple fix of fitting a new clamp and topping up lost coolant?
Thanks Guys

[bee utey]

Not specific to D3's but in the past when I've seen a radiator outlet go from black to brown like that the plastic is totally stuffed and you need a new radiator. Have a closer look at the nipple once it's cooled down and see if it's falling apart.

[D90]

Not specific to D3's but in the past when I've seen a radiator outlet go from black to brown like that the plastic is totally stuffed and you need a new radiator. Have a closer look at the nipple once it's cooled down and see if it's falling apart.


Thanks for the quick response. I'm waiting for my knuckles to cool down and I'll check the plastic out!
Cheers

[Pedro_The_Swift]

ask yourself why?
expansive gases blowing the weakest hose off?
If it was a slow/age problem I wouldnt expect the rad outlet to be so clean,,
and yes, it may just be a case of topping up,,

AFTER you find out why,,

[D90]

ask yourself why?
expansive gases blowing the weakest hose off?
If it was a slow/age problem I wouldnt expect the rad outlet to be so clean,,
and yes, it may just be a case of topping up,,

AFTER you find out why,,



That is my worry. Why did it happen! maybe the clip had stretched. ;)We have had a long run of very hot days and the car has been parked outside and not been used...
If I can refit.. top up ill take it into a mechanic and get checked out.
Thanks guys

[D90]

Not specific to D3's but in the past when I've seen a radiator outlet go from black to brown like that the plastic is totally stuffed and you need a new radiator. Have a closer look at the nipple once it's cooled down and see if it's falling apart.


Well you might be on the money:confused:. See photo below for radiator outlet. There was a small bit of plastic in the hose when I pulled it off. Should the outlet have a lip around the edge? hence why the hose fell off?

[letherm]

Well you might be on the money:confused:. See photo below for radiator outlet. There was a small bit of plastic in the hose when I pulled it off. Should the outlet have a lip around the edge? hence why the hose fell off?

I'm no expert but I would expect some sort of lip to help hold the hose in place. Looking at your photo the outlet edge is ragged indicating some sort of deterioration and given the plastic bit in the hose it looks like the lip has separated form the outlet. I'd be contacting a mechanic or NRMA for advice before driving or you might end up with no cooling function and cause engine damage.

Martin

[bee utey]

Well you might be on the money:confused:. See photo below for radiator outlet. There was a small bit of plastic in the hose when I pulled it off. Should the outlet have a lip around the edge? hence why the hose fell off?
Yep, that's stuffed all right. EA Falcons first introduced disposable plastic and ally radiators to the Aussie masses, I've seen plenty like that in my time. Sometimes you can get a new plastic tank fitted but often it's better to shell out for a whole new radiator.

Even if you managed to get the hose back on and the radiator filled the risk of engine damage would make me limit any further driving to a few minutes only. A tow truck would be much safer and cheaper than an engine replacement if it blew the hose off again on a freeway.

[D90]

Yep its about a 10min drive to the local mechanic so will look at getting it towed if you think its to risky to clamp it back on for the drive.
Quick quote was around 2k for new radiator fitted. sound about right?
Thanks Guys

[Russrobe]

$2000 for a radiator:O Sounds pricey to me, if you're near Joondalup give Lakeside Radiators a call and ask for a quote. I've used them before and found them very helpful, good service and priced well.

At $2000 i wouldn't be doing the job without 3 quotes min.

[jonesy63]

It looks like radiator for 4L and 4.4L petrol motors is the same - LR021777. I've done a quick search and they're about $500 in Australia from 4WD suppliers and as usual, a lot less from the UK.

That would mean they're charging $1500 for labour - which seems like a LOT to me! :o

Good luck!