Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

2003 8.1 4wd suburban

Knew I had a slow leak from somewhere and finally tracked it down. Just under the upper return hose there is a metal hose that connects to the radiator(Trans collier or heating ac line?). I haven’t messed with this kind of fitting before. Is it a seal I need to replace? OR does the whole line need to be replaced.

I’ve added pics

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

It’s a quick disconnect fitting.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=r0pmPVXjyLo

You may have to replace the silver fitting that’s screwed in the radiator. I just did this on an 03 Yukon that was leaking tranny fluid from this connection.

The trick to getting the lock clip back in is to put the legs on the solid surface of the fitting and then pushing it down so the leg slides down the solid part and into the groove.

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

Perfect thank you it was exactly what I was looking for. Love these forums

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

LH side is the engine oil cooler. RH side is the transmission.
If it's a coolant leak and not oil from that cooler pipe fitting the radiator is knackered.

Those are called Jiffy Tite fittings. They have an o-ring inside that eventually gets flat and weeps.
Replacement fittings come with new o-rings and brandy new strange bendy spring clips.
I don't re-use the fittings or bendy spring clips if they rusty or are of unknown age or more than a few years old.

Lisle sells a four piece set of release tools for these. They're darn nice to have.
This is how the fitting works.

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

I changed that fitting and the weep didn’t stop. Letting the engine run for awhile after removing the shroud gave me a better look and after decreasing I could see it clearly that the leak is not from that fitting but looks like possibly a hairline crack. Can this be jb weld or repaired or should I just tackle the entire replacement

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

JB Weld would be a stopgap at best.
The plastic has started to break down from thermal cycling over time.

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

Time for a new radiator...

Repairs like JB weld never seem to last...

Some may suggest Bars Leaks....it may or may not work as the plastic swells under pressure when Hot...

:chevy::chevy::chevy:

Re: Coolant weep coming from radiator 2003
 

I would change it as soon as you can manage it.
Murphys' law and it's corollaries are correct.
That cracking plastic tank will pick the most inconvenient time possible to completely let go. This kind of stuff always happens when you can least afford to have it do so.