91 LeBaron coolant leak 3.0V6

Discussion in 'LeBaron' started by billccm, May 26, 2007.

  1. billccm

    billccm Guest

    I drove my 1991 LeBaron this afternoon from work to run an errand on
    the way home. The car is running like new even tjough it's odometer is
    showing 96K miles.

    Ok, I came out to the parking lot after a 15 minute soak to discover
    the front passeger side tire in a puddle of steaming coolant. I raise
    the hood, and the entire bottom of the radiator is wet and steaming
    with coolant. I grab the flaslight, and try to look around. The AC
    compressor is a bit wet, but my bypass hose is fine, upper and lower
    radiator hoses look good, serpentine belt is dry. Overflow tank shows
    coolant level right below the 'max' level.

    I drive home (approx 2 miles) and park out front of my hose and raise
    the hood. BONE DRY! No coolant, no wetness???

    I shut the car off, grab a can of club soda, and was off the radiator,
    AC compressor, etc, etc. Let everything dry.

    Pull the car in the garage on ramps, grab my work lamp, and climb
    underneath. No sign of a leak, everything is dry? Took off the
    radiator cap, and it is above the neak with coolant.

    So, I start the car, and let it idle until the fan comes on, and crawl
    under. No leaks, let the car idle another 11 minutes, fan back on, no
    leaks. Shut the car off.

    It has set in the garge on ramps for three hours. No leaks???

    I assume that perhaps this is an early pin hole in the radiator, any
    other suggestions?

    Thansk for the advice. Have a nice weekend,

    Bill
     
    billccm, May 26, 2007
    #1
  2. billccm

    maxpower Guest

    Have the system Pressure Tested Bill

    Glenn Beasley
    Chrysler Tech
     
    maxpower, May 26, 2007
    #2
  3. billccm

    philthy Guest

    did ytou actuilly check the raditor coolant level? no coolant no leak, i
    would then i would pressure test the system and then is there was no leaks
    foreund i would check the overflow hose at the raditor nipple making sure
    it's tight and iuf that is good i would keep a watchful eye on operating
    temp might be a t stat getting ready to all out fail
     
    philthy, May 26, 2007
    #3
  4. billccm

    billccm Guest

    Thanks for the replies. The coolant level is good, both in the
    radiator at the neck, and in the coolant overflow. I have not added
    any coolant.

    The car sat overnigh with no leaks.

    I just drove the car 12 miles, and no leaks.

    I'll call about a pressure test.

    BTW, not only does none of the auto stores loan pressure testers, but
    no one sells them, either. Sears has a nice one for $90, but it is
    mail order only.

    Thanks for the replies.

    Bill
     
    billccm, May 26, 2007
    #4
  5. billccm

    billccm Guest

    Well, I bit the bullet and took the car to a local shop. They pressure
    tested for almost 20 minutes and no leak. When they pulled the car out
    of the bay, it started to leak coolant.

    They replaced the radiator, radiator cap, upper and lower radiator
    hoses, transmission lines, thermostat, and new coolant to a sum of
    $371. I actually thought that was a good deal. It looks good, runs
    good, and I hope it will last. That was the original radiator whoch
    was 17 years old.

    Thanks for the replies,
    Bill
     
    billccm, May 30, 2007
    #5
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.