92 PA Leaking Antifreeze but is not overheating

[ellev8or]

I own a 92 Buick PA with 105,000 miles. I just realized that after driving, parking and shutting the car off, there's a stream of water and antifreeze pouring from the bottom of the radiator. I've had the car for a year now and it hasn't overheated. The temp hasn't gone up and the radiator isn't smoking or steaming. Is this a warning sign and is there anything I need to be concerned about? Does this mean there's a crack or hole in the radiator?

Thanks in advance.

[HotZ28]

Yes, this is a warning sign that the plastic tank(s) may be cracked on the radiator. You should take the car to a reputable radiator shop to verify where the leak is coming from and have the radiator, or tanks replaced before any engine damage occurs.

[ellev8or]

HotZ28,
Where are these plastic tanks? I've checked and I don't see any plastic tanks connected to the radiator. The only plastic is the reservoir on the side with a black hose right above the battery. Is this possibly back-flow from the radiator? It has hot or cold indicator on the side. Is this for replenishing the radiator or what? Is this the plastic you are referring to or it's somewhere else?
Thanks

[HotZ28]

The radiator has a plastic tank on each side (as shown below) however, the drivers side usually develops a hair line crack first, near the top where the top hose connects. This crack can be concealed by the top cover, so you need to remove the radiator top support to see it. Like you say, they leak worse after driving, then parking. If the radiator has never been replaced, it's long overdue! BTW, the small plastic tank you saw with hot/cold level marks, is the overflow tank, which is used to capture coolant overflow & allow the radiator to replenish coolant when it cools down.

[ellev8or]

HotZ28,
How much service and replacement will cost in Mesa, AZ if I take it to a auto technician? Are radiators repairable or in my case is it best to get a new one?

[HotZ28]

You can purchase a new one (SPECTRA PREMIUM Part # CU1202) usually less than $100.00 & labor to install would run about the same. It is best to get three estimates from reputable shops, as the prices can vary between shops as much as $100.00. Be sure to compare apples with apples with the different quotes. In addition, let each shop diagnose where the leak is coming from, to see if they have different opinions!

[ellev8or]

HotZ28,
Informative and knowledgeable as always. Thank you Mr. HotZ28.