Coolant leak

2003 LINCOLN LS
168,000 MILES • 3.9L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BLAZEWW420
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I got stuck in the snow and ended up overheating the engine and a coolant tube burst as the car was able to pull itself into my driveway. I'm not sure where it's leaking from, but I the general area of the steam spurting up was near the top hose of the radiator and the big connecting hose doesn't seem to be loose. How can I find the damaged part without tearing the radiator out?
Feb 16, 2021 at 2:29 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

There are a few things you can do. What I would recommend is to fill the coolant (when the engine is cold) and then pressure test the system. You will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend one to you. Also, make sure one of the hoses didn't split at the bottom where you can't see it.

Here is a link that explains how to perform a pressure test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Here is another link you may find helpful. It explains how to locate and fix a coolant leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

Try that and let me know what you find. If you have other questions, feel free to ask.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
Feb 16, 2021 at 6:56 PM