Thread: D3 V8 Coolank Leak

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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,,

Originally Posted by 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,,

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

Originally Posted by 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.

Well you might be on the money. 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?

Originally Posted by D90

Well you might be on the money. 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

Originally Posted by D90

Well you might be on the money. 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.

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