Leaking radiator, safe to drive for now?

[alphatarget1]

Car in question is a 96 Accord V6 auto. The upper plastic part that connects to the actual radiator is leaking around the seams a little bit. I ordered a part already on rockauto since I didn't want to pay $140 at Autozone or $310 for an OEM with Honda. Parts should get here reasonably soon. I jus thave to find someone to install it for my dad since he isn't that great at working with cars. Do you think it'll still be safe to drive fairly short (40 miles or less) distances until we get it fixed?

 

[waffleironhead]

How much is leaking? If you are only losing a minor amount, then you should be fine. The risk you run is the leak expanding and leaving you stranded, or causing engine damage if you dont monitor the heat and coolant level.

 

[alphatarget1]

It really isn't much... yet.

 

[hanoverphist]

i have about 3 metric asstons of jbweld on my radiator at the moment. it drops about a 2 foot puddle every time i stop. as long as i fill it up every other day or so it doesnt overheat at all. when the summer hits i know ill have to replace it, but i have a couple months until that happens. as long as you keep the levels up well you can drive on it for a long time with a leak, if the leak isnt too big as to make you lose pressure in the system.

 

[HarryLui]

Carry water with you and fill up every time your come back to your car, you should be fine.

 

[JulesMaximus]

i have about 3 metric asstons of jbweld on my radiator at the moment. it drops about a 2 foot puddle every time i stop. as long as i fill it up every other day or so it doesnt overheat at all. when the summer hits i know ill have to replace it, but i have a couple months until that happens. as long as you keep the levels up well you can drive on it for a long time with a leak, if the leak isnt too big as to make you lose pressure in the system.

That's great for the environment...coolant leaking out all over the ground everytime you drive your car.

Dude, get your car fixed. :|

 

[StageLeft]

Leak is ok but if the Russians come you may need to pee in the tank. Also, when hunting deer make sure to fire only once so that you don't give away your position. Finally, I have some blood I want you to drink, then you're a real man and hunter. At some point you need to come down from the mountains, see your dad he'll scream at you and it will be heart-wrenching, but that turns to action. Write Wolverines after you've finished RPGing those damned Ruskies. If you're about to die but have a grenade, lie on it, it's a good booby trap. Watch out for heli gunships, they're awesome but will kill you fast!

 

[joutlaw]

Loosen the radiator cap if it's cold in your area. It won't let it build up pressure enough to fracture the plastic more. After extended driving you may see some steam come out.

I just had to do this with my wife's 94 Accord EX. I got the radiator at Rock Auto for $60. I replaced the upper and lower rad hoses, t-stat and gasket, and water outlet gasket. The only pain in this job was the damn electrical connectors. They are a bitch to get to and not bloody your knuckles up.

 

[Bignate603]

i have about 3 metric asstons of jbweld on my radiator at the moment. it drops about a 2 foot puddle every time i stop. as long as i fill it up every other day or so it doesnt overheat at all. when the summer hits i know ill have to replace it, but i have a couple months until that happens. as long as you keep the levels up well you can drive on it for a long time with a leak, if the leak isnt too big as to make you lose pressure in the system.

I hope you're just using water because pouring coolant out like that is terrible.