Coolant Leak

[jdmccright]

My guess would be the lower radiator connection or clamp.

I hear you about changing this stuff out in the cold...just replaced my radiator in ~30-degree weather. But this truck is one of the easier ones I've worked on. If your '97 is anything like my old Jimmy, there's alot more crap crammed under the hood (danged emissions). Anyhoo, back to issue....

When I pulled the radiator, there's a nice tray-like frame underneath that goes all the way across the front that catches all the drips and directs them to drain holes drilled into it at intervals. The two foam rubber mounts for the radiator separate this tray into three sections. So anything dripping from the passenger side will drain there...rad itself into the middle...and driver's side, etc.

If you are using the stock spring clamps I would remove them and use the screw-type band clamps. As mentioned before, the end tanks are molded plastic and there may be a parting line that runs down the hose connector. If it isn't smooth, the hose won't seal. Scrape away any flash, use some hose connector lube and secure with a band clamp.

Finally, if you're unsure of how to tackle a repair or upgrade...do research, read up, size it up, and ask questions here and elsewhere. There's a ton of info on how to do almost anything online, and information is power. A good repair manual is a good start. And your collection of tools will grow with each passing day, project, and curse. Good luck!

BTW, the previous post by Jessica2008 is spam...it should be moved and the user banned.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jdmccright

My guess would be the lower radiator connection or clamp.



BTW, the previous post by Jessica2008 is spam...it should be moved and the user banned.

just thought I'd let you know that this guy found his leak,,, the NAPA radiator he put in was was bad.....thats why he found the antifreeze on the bumper...also he had the known intake leaked fixed all by the dealer for alot of money....

"NAPA SUCKS" in his words...

[jdmccright]

Oops...that's what I get for not reading far enough back into the thread.