Can radiator fluid leak into transmission?
It may seem like a rather remote possibility, but engine coolant, or anti-freeze can get into automatic transmission fluid. The temperature of transmission fluid is regulated inside the engine cooling system. Any rupture of the internal radiator tank can allow coolant to mix with, and contaminate transmission fluid.
Why is my thermostat leaking?
It could be a thermostat gasket leaking if it is coming from the thermostat location. The leaking hose will need to be replaced if the leak is coming from one of the hoses. A cooling system pressure test can reveal the leak location.
What happens when transmission fluid mixed with antifreeze?
Coolant is as you know 50% water and water is near impossible to remove from the transmissions tiny passageways and torque converter. Over time the water coolant mix attacks transmission components and causes problems like: Corrodes steel components. Causes seals to swell and leak.
Will a bad thermostat cause a leak?
A coolant leak can be due to a stuck-closed thermostat. The continuous closure of the thermostat along with the pressure acting on the coolant can result in coolant leaking around the thermostat housing. In more serious scenarios, the coolant might leak from both hoses surrounding the radiator.
Why is there a leak around my thermostat housing?
If it is coming from the thermostat location in the housing, it could simply be a thermostat gasket/O-ring leaking. If the leak is coming from any of the hoses, the leaking hose and clamp will need to be replaced. However, if the leak is coming from where the housing is mounted, the housing and/or housing gasket has failed.
What causes water to leak out of the radiator?
For instance, over-filling the radiator can cause leaks from increased water pressure. A bad thermostat or a heater core can also create excessive heat and pressure on the radiator. Check the level of your radiator and the strength of your coolant while at the service station. Always check the radiator when the engine is cold; never while it’s hot.
When to check for a leak in the radiator?
Always check the radiator when the engine is cold; never while it’s hot. Ask a car mechanic when you are at the garage to test the fluid. Mechanics routinely check for a radiator leak when they change the oil or do other engine-related work. Often, the invoice has check marks that a mechanic does routinely on a car.
What do you do when the radiator cap is removed?
Once the cap is removed, you can either open the petcock valve or remove the bottom radiator hose to drain the coolant. Drain the coolant into a plastic reservoir. With the coolant drained, you can start removing hoses, clamps and the radiator bolts keeping the radiator in place.