I've had a slow coolant leak for a couple months now, resulting in my topping up the expansion tank a bit every week or so, most of the time no puddles formed at all.
This morning my 240 wagon started hard, but when it got going it was running fine, I drove the 10 miles to work, and literally 30 feet from my parking space, the lights come on and the engine craps out. I was thinking this was a result of the fuel pumps (a loose wire caused this to happen last week) but I saw the steam and knew I was in for it...
No coolant whatsoever (I checked the level day before yesterday, it was between the midway point and max.) Using my ignoramus laymans logic, I figured, pour some water in and cool it off, and it flowed out the bottom of the radiator at a pretty astounding rate. I never noticed the gauge go up (which might be because it doesn't register half the time)
I was hoping she'd hold up until I got home next week...now I'm trying to assess the damage (before they tow her off) I've been consulting the Haynes Repair Manual...I know I need a new radiator, and I'd just install one myself if it wasn't obvious that there is something else amiss...what is the connection with the ignition, if any? What's the probably scenario? And will a plastic/aluminum be a good radiator to ask for? (I've been reading some conflicting radiator reviews on the board...)
Thanks in advance for your help (and sorry this story was so long)

~Natalie, and the '86 240 automatic wagon, which has no hazard lights, and 139k before the odometer broke. (I've had her 3 months now)
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1986 240 wagon, approx 140k