I have a 96 integra rs, and I think I have a radiator leak. The fluid level is going down below the min line probably about once a week, and there is a little bit of fluid all along the top of the radiator. (Not directly on top, but a couple inches down where there is a slight overhang for it to settle.) It looks like there is more fluid on the left side, towards the cap.

So, my question is, why isn't my car overheating? (I live in the East Bay of SF area where it is hot).

Where should I look for leaks, and is it easier to buy and install a new radiator if I need one, or should I take it to a mechanic?

 

Umm... is it leaking right where the plastic and medal clip together at the top of the radiator? That prollyt means the plastic core cracked and you should get a new radiator.

OE Honda ones will cost you an arm and a leg. Unless you do some high-end racing, a cheapo aftermarket radiator from www.radiators.com will suit you fine. I got one installed within 6 hours of calling them for about $200 including labor. Not bad, and I could have done it cheaper myself, but replacing the radiator can be really messy, especially in a car port at an apartment complex...

 

ehh b4 jumping to conclusions find ur problem, rev the engine up, get her nice and toasty and simply pop open the hood and find ur leak, may just be escaping coolant from the reservoir may be ur radiator cap needs replacing and is leaking around the seal? could be alot of other things also. so find the leak first by getting ur car really hot and look for it.

 

oh ok, that's kinda what i needed to know crxb16er. I wanted to know how to find the leak and you pointed out the obvious. Thank you.

 

ehh no problem buddy, since ur not losing alot quickly id think itd only be the screw on top for ur coolant resevoir is leaking hot fluid and its evaporating out or the radiator cap is blowing out a little (radiator cap is supposed to be replaced every 2 times u open it up, betcha didnt know that and is supposed to be tested if reused, which noone does). if ur radiator had a hole ud be sure to know about it, cuz ud be losing alot more fluid and ud have a mess to clean up, plus holes get larger pretty quick cuz of the high pressure inside the system, holes in the radiator are easily fixed with acid core soldering compounds available at any acehardware (its the special kind that says "made for radiators") but probably a simpler problem than that even, u dont need to buy a new radiator unless urs is damaged or no longer is sufficient for ur cooling needs (ie ur blowing n2o or have a turbo and ur engine is getting hotter than originally intended). hope that helps u out some buddy

 

VERY helpful:thumbup:
I ran it pretty hot today to try to see where the leak was, and it looks like it is near the top about an inch down where the material changes??? I can't see a hole, it just runs along the top of the radiator...very little fluid though. So maybe my cap is leaking, I'll get a new one and keep checking it. If not that, then I'll try that acid compound.

 

well good luck buddy glad i could help u out with some insight, and hope u found ur problem, let me know if i can be of any further assistance.

 

hey, i don't know if this helps at all, but in three days, my reservoir dropped from max to about 1/3 of the way up from min. This isn't that much fluid right? I'm planning on going on a 3 hour trip on Wednesday and am wondering if I should have any major problems if in the worst case, I do have a leak? What would you do? Try the acid compound and replace cap and see what happens? Do you think I'll know if I'm good in two or three days?

and a quick price quote on about how much the compound and cap would be would help. THANKS.

 

nevermind about my last post, I got the stuff and installed it today, I'll keep you posted if the leak continues

 

just get a new radiator cap buddy, the only reason ud have to buy a soldering compound is if u had found a leak, driving that far shouldnt really be a problem at all but just to keep on the safe side throw a bottle of radiator coolant in ur trunk if u find that u need to top it off. and keep ur eye on the heat levels just to make sure nothing funny goes on while ur taking ur trip.