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coolant leak 200 1988

posted by  42 on  Thu May 13 03:57 CST 2010
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last visit: Sat Oct 18 22:13 CST 2014
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I just noticed that my 240 with an auto trans is leaking coolant where the top transmission cooling line enters the right-hand side of the radiator. I was able to loosen the nut on the radiator very easily with my bare hands, so I cleaned the washer and the area up, and retightened the nut. However, it won't seal up - coolant still leaks regardless of how loose or tight I have the nut. I don't want to crank it down too tight, as the side of the radiator is plastic. Should I use a sealant on it? And if so, what sort of sealant (silicone?). Or do I need a new radiator? -- the present one is less than 5 years old.

Thanks!
David








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    coolant leak 200 1988

    posted by  thecbdb on  Thu May 13 11:16 CST 2010
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    last visit: Tue Jun 22 12:17 CST 2010
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    There shouldn't be coolant at that fitting. Check the contents of your expansion tank: is there a layer of oil on top? Also, check the AT dipstick: you might be able to detect coolant if it's there. You likely need a new radiator and possibly a coolant flush and trans flush. Take care of this problem quick, or you could be out a transmission and possibly an engine.
    --
    1985 244DL B230 M46 170k








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    coolant leak 200 1988

    uid 34776's pic
    posted by  Ryan_R on  Thu May 13 09:25 CST 2010
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    last visit: Tue Sep 24 13:46 CST 2013
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    Is coolant leaking from the transmission fitting or a hose nipple?

    Leaking coolant from the trans fitting would mean that the radiator has failed internally.

    -Ryan
    --

    Athens, Ohio
    1987 245 DL 324k, Dog-mobile, E-codes
    1990 245 DL 137k M47, E-codes, GT Sways/Braces, Dracos, A-cam
    1990 744GLE 189K 16-valve project
    1991 745 GL 304k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars








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      coolant leak 200 1988

      posted by  42 on  Thu May 13 19:25 CST 2010
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      last visit: Sat Oct 18 22:13 CST 2014
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      As far as I can tell so far, there is no leakage of transmission fluid: the leaking fluid is green and not greasy, and the trans fluid looks fine on the dipstick. It's not leaking where the trans line attaches to the nipple on the radiator, but where this nipple attaches to the plastic radiator housing. The attachment has a large narrow nut and washer on it forming the seal with the radiator housing. I'm now not sure whether this part of the radiator is even supposed to be full of coolant. I guess it's time for a new radiator.








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        coolant leak 200 1988

        uid 18083's pic
        posted by  lucid on  Fri May 14 01:39 CST 2010
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 12:31 CST 2014
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        "The attachment has a large narrow nut and washer on it forming the seal with the radiator housing. I'm now not sure whether this part of the radiator is even supposed to be full of coolant."

        That "large narrow nut" is factory tightened and sealed. Maybe someone failed to counter-hold it when trying to loosen the tranny line fitting. That whole end tank will be full of coolant, so leaking is normal if that large nut/seal has loosened.

        I would drain the coolant enough to take that nut & washer off (tranny line disconnected first) to clean and dry that area. Then reattach the nut & washer with some kind of sealant, after seeking advice here on what to use, like maybe Teflon tape or paste on the threads and washer.

        If you can't stop the leak, then it is time for a new radiator.

        --
        Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.








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          coolant leak 200 1988

          posted by  42 on  Fri May 14 07:14 CST 2010
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          last visit: Sat Oct 18 22:13 CST 2014
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          Thanks for the advice. Silicone sealant that I have for sealing the pipes on my wooden hot tub sealed it -- but I'm not confident about it holding in the longer term, so I have ordered an aftermarket radiator.








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          Block Drain to lower coolant level 200 1988

          uid 18083's pic
          posted by  lucid on  Fri May 14 03:13 CST 2010
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          last visit: Fri Oct 24 12:31 CST 2014
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          Use the Block Drain shown below (13mm wrench to open/close). Drain off about a gallon to lower the level in the radiator so you can attempt reseal at tranny line adapter nut.

          Save the drained coolant by fitting a short piece of hose to to the drain barb and routing the other end into a container.

          If it's clogged, unscrew the barb all the way to remove it and probe the opening with a piece of coat hanger wire.



          --
          Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.







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