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Leaking Radiator on 04 Freightliner Columbia Detroit 14L

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Felix773, Apr 10, 2017.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Apr 10, 2017 #1
    Felix773

    Felix773 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2017
    Chicago
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    Okay guys so I'm having a weird issue with my tractor. A few weeks ago I started noticing a tiny trickle of coolant leaking from a plastic cover under my radiator. I have notice that when my temp on my water goes to 200 it begins to leak and anything under it doesn't leak at all. Now the small trickle is a few drops and makes a puddle. Can this be a bad thermostat or a bad radiator? I'm currenlty putting in a gallon of coolant a day now. Need help!!
     
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    #1
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  3. Apr 10, 2017 #2
    QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

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    romulus,mi
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    If you can't see the leak clearly, we can't either. Pay a shop 1/2 hr. labor and have it pressure tested if you don't have a tester.. If you have the repair done at that shop, they will eat the diagnosis fee. C'mon fellas, common sense here!
     
    QUALITYTRUCK, Apr 10, 2017
    QUALITYTRUCK, Apr 10, 2017
    #2
    Felix773 Thanks this.
  4. Apr 10, 2017 #3
    Felix773

    Felix773 Bobtail Member

    45
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    Jan 21, 2017
    Chicago
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    Ohhhh I see the leak lol. I know it doesn't leak when I'm running on the highway because coolant is being cooled by the wind flowing thru the radiator. The problem is when I am in the inner city with stop and go traffic the temperature climbs higher than 200 and that's when the leaking begins. I am asking around because I currently am running low on cash and don't want to buy a new radiator when it can be just be the thermostat or something else. The shop will want to replace everything when it can be a simple fix.
     
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    #3
  5. Apr 10, 2017 #4
    Verdel

    Verdel Medium Load Member

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    Oct 26, 2013
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    Common problem with now days plastic tanks radiators. The seal on your bottom tank is too old, cracked, just bring your tractor to a good radiator shop and they will be able to fix it, for about $250-300. The new OEM radiator is "Behr" around $1100. Don't put any 3rd party - the engine will run hot.
     
    Verdel, Apr 10, 2017
    Verdel, Apr 10, 2017
    #4
    Felix773 Thanks this.
  7. Apr 10, 2017 #5
    Felix773

    Felix773 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2017
    Chicago
    0
    Thanks I will look for a radiator repair shop.
     
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    #5
  8. Apr 10, 2017 #6
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Well the thermostats are nowhere near the radiator so I'd say its likely not the t-stats.

    Maybe a leaking hose/loose hose clamp? If not, more than likely its the rad. Only way to know is to find the source of the leak.
     
    AModelCat, Apr 10, 2017
    AModelCat, Apr 10, 2017
    #6
  9. Apr 10, 2017 #7
    Felix773

    Felix773 Bobtail Member

    45
    6
    Jan 21, 2017
    Chicago
    0
    Ok but why won't it leak at low temps and only leaks when temp goes over 200. I checked it and anything under 190 it does not leak at all.
     
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    #7
  10. Apr 10, 2017 #8
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Heat expands material. If there's a small crack it might expand when the temperature increases. Same as in extreme cold. Seals shrink and fluids escape.
     
    AModelCat, Apr 10, 2017
    AModelCat, Apr 10, 2017
    #8
  11. Apr 10, 2017 #9
    Brandt

    Brandt Road Train Member

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    I had a plastic radiator top that would open up when hot when pulling a hill. Then on flat land or engine was in normal temp it would seal back up. That was on a 2000 Volvo but it was just the old plastic radiator was old and heat finally got to it.
     
    Brandt, Apr 10, 2017
    Brandt, Apr 10, 2017
    #9
    Felix773 Thanks this.
  12. Apr 10, 2017 #10
    Felix773

    Felix773 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 21, 2017
    Chicago
    0
    That's pretty neat lol
     
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    Felix773, Apr 10, 2017
    #10
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