Okay so the other day noticed a wet spot under my radiator end cap area. Didn't know what it was from. So today I check again since I knew it should be dry unless something was leaking. It appeared dry when not running but I started it up and sure enough... A couple minutes later it appeared wet. So thanks in advance for replies!! I'd like to see what yall think and if you think it's a leak a suggestion on radiator replacement (I do tow a trailer often it is definitely on the smaller side though) and pictures



Passenger side

 

And drivers side

 

Are you serious?

If it looks like a duck,
quacks like a duck,
waddles like a duck,
it's 100% probably not a bear.

 

alright well do you have any suggestions as to what to do? I didn't know if it could just be something loose that I could just push back together or something. Sorry for the stupid post. Also, I will admit probably should word it differently.

 

U need a new radiator.....they run about $100.

 

I see aluminum and copper on oreillys website. Which would you suggest?

 

Order the plastic/aluminum replacement from advance auto online, use TRT30 for 30% off.

 

If I get one with plastic tanks won't I have this problem again? And thanks for the code

 

Probably not for a while, expansion/contraction eventually takes em all out.

 

ANY/ALL radiators will eventually leak.....owner neglecting cooling system maintenance is the main cause for leaks. Virtually every new vehicle sold today has a plastic/aluminum rad.

 

yeah the cooling system seemed pretty neglected by the previous owner... Guess it could be worse and thanks for the help!

 

Anything I should do while the radiators out? Water pump was replaced less than 10k miles ago so I'd say that's good and the belt was replaced less than 1k miles ago.

 

Cap, thermostat & hoses couldn't hurt.

 

Before you remove your old radiator, get a bottle of Prestone cooling system cleaner.................Follow the directions on the bottle to clean/flush your cooling system...........Drain cooling system completely........
Then replace your radiator with the new one, and fill system with proper coolant/water mixture.........
If you can find it, use distilled/de-ionized water..........It has all the minerals removed, and is better for your cooling system.........Or buy the 50/50 premixed antifreeze, as they use de-ionized water to mix. (however it is cheaper to mix yourself)


And yes, if you can afford it, replace the hoses at the same time.............Always get a new radiator cap with a new radiator (they are not included)

 

I recently (within the last month) did a total cooling system flush. The coolant is currently bright green and looks great. But if I hadn't just flushed it I would definitely flush before replacing. Thank you for the suggestion though!