Should I worry about the small crack in my Jeep Wrangler radiator?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Christian C
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Christian C

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Yesterday I saw a small puddle of lime colored fluid under my 2002 jeep.
I immediately went to a radiator repair place. They took this pump thingy and pressurized the radiator. Fluid came out. They said since it was hard plastic it would need to be fully replaced and couldn't be saudered.
I asked a friend of mine (fellow Jeep owner) for a second opinion and he said that the fluid might just be distaff and the pump they use in shops like I went to, put way more pressure in a radiator than I would ever normally do.
Now, I plan to replace it anyway but I can't afford it right now. Can I drive it short distances for a few weeks without danger ?
I did run a few errands afterword and no more fluid is coming out. The gage is steady and isn't even close to overheating.
 
Your friend is way too optimistic. If the radiator was pressure tested and it leaked - you can bet the farm it's going to leak when you drive it.
If it's a small, minor leak, just be sure to check the coolant level often and keep it topped off with a 50/50 antifreeze mix. The price of a radiator isn't worth risking the price of an engine - keep the cooling system full.
 
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