95 3.4 MC radiator problem

[tela4422]

Hey. Got a 95 3.4 MC and after driving for a while, I can look at the driver side headlite from the driver seat and see steam around it. When I park the car, a lot of coolant starts to leak on the ground(a steady stream) from that side. I also lose heat from the dash until I put in more coolant. Some days I can hear the coolant bubbling in the resevoir and a loud banging sound coming from the dash. Anyone ever seen this? I see no oil in the coolant or vice versa. Is it a bad radiator? Is it easy to change? Pleas help.

[CEO Wrench]

Originally Posted by tela4422

Hey. Got a 95 3.4 MC and after driving for a while, I can look at the driver side headlite from the driver seat and see steam around it. When I park the car, a lot of coolant starts to leak on the ground(a steady stream) from that side. I also lose heat from the dash until I put in more coolant. Some days I can hear the coolant bubbling in the resevoir and a loud banging sound coming from the dash. Anyone ever seen this? I see no oil in the coolant or vice versa. Is it a bad radiator? Is it easy to change? Pleas help.

Most likely the radiator is leaking. Those factory aluminum ones don't last forever. You should pop the hood and check for visible signs of antifreeze leaking.
If you're handy, it's not a bad job to replace one - should be able to do it in an hour or less. The cost is around $100 for a new one. Be sure you use the regular green antifreeze, not the Dexcool - too many problems with that type.

[tela4422]

Originally Posted by CEO Wrench

Most likely the radiator is leaking. Those factory aluminum ones don't last forever. You should pop the hood and check for visible signs of antifreeze leaking.
If you're handy, it's not a bad job to replace one - should be able to do it in an hour or less. The cost is around $100 for a new one. Be sure you use the regular green antifreeze, not the Dexcool - too many problems with that type.

Thanks for the reply. Well....I changed the radiator yesterday and it looks right. But A few problems have arisen. My anti lock lite comes on the dash(there are wires near the radiator opening so maybe I spilled water and coolant on them). The low coolant lite comes on when I know I ve got at least a gallon and a half in there and Im seeing steam on the right side near those wires now. Are there any wires I forgot to hook back up? Should I replace the thermostat too? Please help because its worse off than it was.

[CEO Wrench]

Originally Posted by tela4422

Thanks for the reply. Well....I changed the radiator yesterday and it looks right. But A few problems have arisen. My anti lock lite comes on the dash(there are wires near the radiator opening so maybe I spilled water and coolant on them). The low coolant lite comes on when I know I ve got at least a gallon and a half in there and Im seeing steam on the right side near those wires now. Are there any wires I forgot to hook back up? Should I replace the thermostat too? Please help because its worse off than it was.

Hey, I'm sorry you keep having problems with this - I hate it when complications come up on what would otherwise be a simple repair.
First, spilling antifreeze isn't likely to affect the antilock circuitry. It could be your brake fluid level is low - check that first. If not that, more than likely it's the relay located in the little electrical box above the battery. Sometimes pulling it out and cleaning the terminals will help. Otherwise, if everything else looks OK, try swapping that relay for another one with the same part number (horn?) and see if that works. If so, then replace the relay with a new one.
As for the low coolant light: did you get a new radiator? A used one might have a leak also or a bad sensor in the tank. If possible, try swapping that. Make sure your hose connections are good, and try a new radiator cap. The factory ones are not good.
No need to replace the thermostat unless the engine overheats or doesn't come up to normal operating temp (about the 11 o'clock position on the gauge).
Also, make sure you open the coolant bleeders on the various plumbing to get the air out of the system before you start driving - it could otherwise damage the aluminum heads.
Good luck!

[tela4422]

Originally Posted by CEO Wrench

Hey, I'm sorry you keep having problems with this - I hate it when complications come up on what would otherwise be a simple repair.
First, spilling antifreeze isn't likely to affect the antilock circuitry. It could be your brake fluid level is low - check that first. If not that, more than likely it's the relay located in the little electrical box above the battery. Sometimes pulling it out and cleaning the terminals will help. Otherwise, if everything else looks OK, try swapping that relay for another one with the same part number (horn?) and see if that works. If so, then replace the relay with a new one.
As for the low coolant light: did you get a new radiator? A used one might have a leak also or a bad sensor in the tank. If possible, try swapping that. Make sure your hose connections are good, and try a new radiator cap. The factory ones are not good.
No need to replace the thermostat unless the engine overheats or doesn't come up to normal operating temp (about the 11 o'clock position on the gauge).
Also, make sure you open the coolant bleeders on the various plumbing to get the air out of the system before you start driving - it could otherwise damage the aluminum heads.
Good luck!

Thanks. Its a new radiator. I did use the old radiator cap so I 'll buy a new one today. How important is the radiator cap? It just keeps the fluid in the radiator right?It didnt over heat but I did hear a bubbling sound. I think they sent a broken radiator becuase I cant connect the over flow tube to the radiator neck. It looks like a piece is broken or missingfrom the neck. Ok, CEO, thanks for the input and I will try everything you listed when I get home.