I've been having a slow coolant leak that seems to show up after about every 150 miles. By that point the temperature begins to rise above normal. After I pull over and cool off enough to check, the cause is always the same: about a quart low on coolant. I've located where there seems to be coolant pooling on top of the fan shroud (picture 1). But I'm having trouble finding exactly where the leaks is.

So far I've replaced the rad cap with two different kinds (pictured) and the leak continues. Yesterday I replaced the hose and clamps to the overflow tank. Though the rate at which I'm losing coolant seems like it's slowed, I still noticed a pooling on top of the fan shroud when I popped the hood after driving yesterday. Is there something I missing that I should check? Are these radiator caps garbage, and if so which kind would you suggest?

I'd appreciate any help. Thanks,



Pooling of coolant

 

Do you know what brand radiator is in the car ?

 

No, unfortunately. Tried to see if I could locate something on it. What I found that I'd hopped might be a product number on it, turned out to be the kind of plastic used in the top portion. (PA66-GF30).



​​​​

 

The chalk all over everything suggests that fluid is spraying out heavily... I suggest you get a helper, crank the car, rev the engine to about 2000 RPM and hold until the cooling fan comes on a couple-three times while you watch the radiator... or until you SEE where the fluid is spraying out from.

 

Try putting a zip tie on the or small clamp on that over flow hose coming off the neck of the rad.. Not sure how tight fitting that hose is on there but it could be leaking from there.. only I am a bit doubtful on that causing your issue. Looking very closely, it looks almost like there are hair line cracks in the plastic on the main plastic top body near the neck.. Could just spend $70 and get a nice aluminum rad off ebay (recommend AJP Distributors, excellent quality) and call it a day.