Heeeeeeeeeeeelllllp!!!

[Allegretto]

I need help bad my car is acting up! For some odd reason, not matter how much antifreeze i put in the radiator, it spits it out in a big show of steam and hissing and the car overheats no matter how far i go. Its a 78 caprice classic, and its really hot here in southern Ohio. i would appreciate any and all help.

[TommySS]

If you can't actually see a source of the leak, it's probably the water pump. It's pretty easy to change.

[Allegretto]

Originally Posted by TommySS

If you can't actually see a source of the leak, it's probably the water pump. It's pretty easy to change.

okay now where is the water pump?

[richtazz]

the water pump is bolted to the front of the engine, and the power steering pump. lower alternator bracket, and fan bolt to it.

[MagicRat]

I don't think its the waterpump!!
When waterpumps go bad, they leak and/or get noisy.
If your waterpump is dry and quiet, your thermostat is stuck closed.
Its mounted in a little metal housing where your upper rad hose attaches to the engine.

[TommySS]

Well, put some water in it and tell us where it's coming out.

Bad water pumps don't necessarily make noise when they quit.

It could be coming from just about anyplace, I figured the water pump because the weep hole is usually facing downward and is in the back.

Please let us know if you have any more info you can share w/us. Standing ready to assist.

[Allegretto]

the leak is coming out of the engine-side of the radiator. when i filled it up, water dripped out very slowly, when i drive for a minute, its steams out and i lose whatever i put in there, water or antifreeze, it gets all over the engine and its making me very mad

[TommySS]

Oh - that's easy. You need a new radiator.

Don't let the car overheat or you could blow a head gasket.

One thing that might work is to get some BAR'S LEAKS (auto parts stores carry it, WalMart, etc). If that doesn't stop the leak, get a new radiator.

[wilfie27]

If you don't want to spend the money on a new radiator you can take it to a radiator shop and have it repaired. Sometimes all they need to do is crimp and braize one of the tubes, a lot less than a new radiator.
In the past I have used pepper to stop a pinhole leak.

[guy1138]

Your radiator is very bad and almost certainly needs replaced. From what you're describing, the leak is past the point of repair with stop leak or pepper (?). As far as crimping one of the passages, I would think that would negatively impact the cooling ability of the radiator, and if it's hot where you live, you'd be risking losing a head gasket.

[Frood_42]

Yeah...get A New Radiator...i Have A 78 And I Just Discovered The Idiot Who Gave Me My Car Drove It Till The Gasket Blew...now I Gotta Do The Work To Replace It...