Today I found coolant on the garage floor under my little red turbo wagon ('91 745). Drat. Coming from about 6 - 8" from the right (passenger) side of the radiator at the very bottom. I can't actually see where on the radiator it is coming from, but can see where the coolant has discolored one of the metal radiator supports.

How do I figure out if this means radiator replacement or what it means? The amount of coolant is small - a little puddle on the floor maybe 3 - 4" in diameter, and it looks like it might have been going on for awhile as some of the spot was pretty gooey.

I don't see any actual instructions on the FAQ for radiator replacement. Does that mean it is easy??? Thanks for the help.
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Darius in Albany NY '86 744 GLE (174K); '91 745 Turbo (164K)

I had never changed a radiator until I had to do it on my 85 740 turbo, and I found it was not that bad a job for a beginner. It is a messy job so be prepared for any spills. I use kitty litter to pick up any antifreeze spills, and a plastic tub to catch the antifreeze when pulling off the bottom hose.

In fact I actually used a model airplane fuel pump to pump about a gallon of antifreeze out of the engine by sticking a small tube down the hose in the coolant reservoir. You can actually change the thermostat easily that way and never spill a drop. I would say go for it and change it yourself, just allow plenty of time. I am a beginner so it took me most of a day. I could probably do it now in a couple of hours or less.

Randy

If this is an original radiator, yes, it's time for replacement of:

-radiator
-heater water valve
-all hoses including cooler hoses
-thermostat

Easy, sort of common sense procedure. The radiator is simple.

My radiator is a Nissens (metal tank) radiator, and I don't think it is original. Thanks for the info.
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Darius in Albany NY '86 744 GLE (174K); '91 745 Turbo (164K)