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Radiator Leak bottom drivers side.

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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 10:11 PM
  #1  
HelenaTDI's Avatar
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From: Helena, MT
Radiator Leak bottom drivers side.

Drove into the garage today after a long road trip. Found around a quart of coolant under the middle area of the truck. Reservoir was at the low level from full. Replaced my over flow reservoir previously as I thought I had a crack in it when my coolant was being drained from it. Searched around inlet/outlet hoses and everywhere else with no visible leaks. Now I see the leak coming from what looks like the seam area to the right of the bottom drain valve on the drivers side. Is this a common problem area? Pulling my radiator tomorrow to get a better look at the problem area. I was hoping it would be a no brainer like the drain valve itself was leaking. Verified for sure it wasn't the issue. I'm guessing the seam or bottom mount area.
One thing to mention it only leaks when being warmed up after a good drive. Short drives, cold weather never noticed leaks.

So can radiator shops repair seams or possible cracks by brazing or something?? Don't want to do the band-aid method with putting stop leak in it or something else. Hoping I can get it fixed instead of forking out $600 for a new one. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks.
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 10:42 PM
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lightfoot's Avatar
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From: wva.
Mine was doing the same thing.Did the bandaid thing,used 2 stop leaks and its holding fine,been 2 months now.
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 11:14 PM
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A shop fixed my buddy's leaky rad for $50
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Old Mar 15, 2009 | 11:34 PM
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From: s .e. pa.
hi
used the silver bars leak in mine about 1 yr ago to stop a leak at seam where tank mounts to core .
holding sofar ?
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Old Mar 16, 2009 | 07:26 AM
  #5  
HelenaTDI's Avatar
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Has anyone purchased from radiator.com? Found this last night. $189

http://www.radiator.com/dodge-ram-19...C+361ci%2C+DSL
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Old Mar 16, 2009 | 10:32 AM
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From: Montana
I would use the powdered aluminum type Bars Leak without hesitation.
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Old Mar 17, 2009 | 07:32 AM
  #7  
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Giving the bars leak a shot at it. I will let you know how it works out. Thanks for the advice.
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Old Mar 28, 2009 | 09:56 PM
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So far seems to be working somewhat with the Bars Leak. I use to lose about 1 quart or so during shutdown after an extended period. Now seems to be about a 1/8 cup. Slowly added the bars leak to the system with about 3 treatments. Hoping it will totally seal off.
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