2001 Deville coolant leak - danger?

[MerNion]

Hey,

i noticed the coolant level dropping low and i inspected the car from underneath to find a coolant dripping in the front right side of the car. I went to a repair shop and they did a radiator pressure test and confirmed that the radiator is leaking some coolant. The repair cost was estimated around $900-1000. I don't use the car much often and when i do i drive short distances, i was wondering if there is any danger in just topping up the coolant each time it gets drained out (that happens around once a month).

Thanks

[maxwedge]

Until the leak become hard to keep up with, no problems.

[jeremyshaneyates]

Originally Posted by MerNion

Hey,

i noticed the coolant level dropping low and i inspected the car from underneath to find a coolant dripping in the front right side of the car. I went to a repair shop and they did a radiator pressure test and confirmed that the radiator is leaking some coolant. The repair cost was estimated around $900-1000. I don't use the car much often and when i do i drive short distances, i was wondering if there is any danger in just topping up the coolant each time it gets drained out (that happens around once a month).

Thanks

As long as u keep fluid in it there is no problem.....however, if it ever leaks out completely and u continue 2 drive w/o noticing, u will do alot more damage.....meaning cracked heads.......me i would try to fix as soon as possible....but try 2 check more than once a month...atleast every day u drive.....depending on how bad the leak is......R U sure the leak is not worse now that they pressure tested it?

[MerNion]

Thanks for the replies guys!

As far as i can see it is still on the same level, might be sliiightly lower but the leak doesn't appear to be big... Just a drop every 4-5 minutes.. I will try and keep an eye on it and if it becomes worse, i will go fix it.. I just don't have $900 to give right now...

[MagicRat]

Go to the dealer and pick up a package of AC-Delco coolant system tablets. You should get a pack of 6 big brown 'pills'.

These are designed to stop minor cooling system leaks and are GM recommended for all Cadillac Northstar (from 1993) through 2005 (I think), even if the engine is brand new or not leaking. GM even put the tabs in all brand-new Northstar engines through 2005 at the factory.

If your car has a slow leak it means whoever changed the coolant last did not follow recommended GM procedure and put these tablets in.

BTW, GM recommends 2 tablets, but all the Cadillac enthusiasts on-line (including me) put all 6 tablets in at once.
Do not put them in the overflow tank. They will not work there. Drain the coolant and remove the lower radiator hose. place all 6 tablets in the lower rad hose and reattach it, then fill with fresh coolant. The rad leak should seal itself pretty quickly.

Do not use any other product than the AC Delco tablets.