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91 LeBaron coolant leak 3.0V6

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

Reply to
billccm
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Have the system Pressure Tested Bill

Glenn Beasley Chrysler Tech

Reply to
maxpower

Reply to
philthy

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

Reply to
billccm

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

Reply to
billccm

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