Hey guys. I feel like I've exhausted myself trying to figure out this darn coolant leak. Quick history (in the last two months):

Upper rad hose leak = tightened clamps.
Head gasket leak = replaced head gasket
Radiator cap leak = new oem rad cap
Upper rad hose leak = new oem radiator hose + new clamps

Now the new radiator cap leaks and, also, under the clamp where the upper radiator hose meets the radiator. It's small drops and splashes here and there, so it hasn't ever overheated. What's super strange is that my overflow has never had coolant in it - even though the overflow hose works great (blew through it). And the overflow has no leaks. I haven't added any coolant in the last two months and the radiator is always full to the top when I take off the cap and the overflow reservoir is always empty.

But after every start/drive there's coolant splashed around the cap and under the upper hose... leaking onto the skid plate.

It's driving me nuts. Do I have a pressure issues?

 

what year and engine do you have? invest in a pressure tester, it eliminates costly guesses.

 

Sounds like you have pressure issues.. which engine do you have? Stock rad cap for the V6 is 13 lbs. Seems like your radiator itself is gunked up if pressure is only building at the top of the rad. You can get one for around 200. Are there any pinhole leaks at the top or anywhere?

 

Hey guys, thanks for the responses. Sorry about that, it's a 1987 22r 4x4. I just did a full chemical flush three weeks ago. I have no idea why I', still leaking... radiator shouldn't have any issues or cracks. At least I didn't notice it when I had it out for the HG...?

 

Is your fan clutch getting weak? Usually when weaken you can stop it from turning when the engine on with a rag over your hand. Or turn it very easy and smoothly with the engine off

 

Just an FYI. That is not an overflow tank, it is a reservoir it is ment to have something in it you should fill it to the line on the side that says "cold".

Other things to checkout would be the cap is in spec and opens at the right PSI. The thermostat is the OEM dual stage, and fully opens at the correct temp.

If it is leaking and always full there must be air in the system, or something else filling that space either way it's bad.

 

Thanks Co94. I'll fill up the reservoir. I'm just hoping that I didn't screw up - putting the coolant system back together (got air in it?). Again, no overheating and it's running fine - I'd think that I would notice air in the system?