Radiator was leaking, but it has stopped.

[Ducaire]

In my 02 Camry (2.4 Liter 4 cyl. engine), my mechanic pointed out a slight coolant leak in my radiator in a little circular area right below the cap. He said the entire radiator would have to be replaced.

I decided to continue driving and keep a close eye on the leak and the coolant level until I could leave it at the shop for the day so he could replace it. At first, I did notice a slight drip in the spot he pointed out whenever the engine was running or had been running (it didn't leak when the engine was off and was cool).

Well, this past week I've continuously been checking the leak/coolant level, but for some reason the leak has stopped. Every time I get home, I'll pop the hood with the engine still running, but the spot in which it was leaking has been bone dry. The coolant level in the reservoir has not dropped at all either (although I did notice it drop those first few days when it was still leaking).

My 1st question is why has it stopped leaking, and my 2nd question is is it safe to keep driving without getting the radiator replaced? (At least for the time being) I'd rather not have to spend $300+ for a new radiator, though it will cost ten times that much if I burn my motor up.

[Brian R.]

The coolant level in the radiator may have dropped below the point of the leak. If the radiator didn't miraculously fix itself, it is still leaking air and not drawing coolant from the overflow tank. It is just sucking air.

Get it replaced. When the engine's cold, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the radiator, not the overflow tank. This procedure will have to do until you get if fixed. It will not stay pressurized and be able to suck coolant from the overflow tank to keep itself full.

[Ducaire]

Good point. After discovering the leak, my mechanic filled the reservoir to the top with coolant. For a few days, it leaked whenever the engine was running or still hot. The level in the reservoir had gone down bit after I noticed the leak stopped, though it's still well above the add mark. I've only checked in the radiator cap once or twice (not enough to be able to tell a difference).

I'll get it replaced.