Possible Radiator Leak

[usnvet]

Does a 2003 Buick Park Avenue have a radiator petcock valve and if so, where is it located? I have a slow leak/drip that appears to be coming from the driver's side of the vehicle near the front tire area and the bottom of the radiator. I think it may be the petcock valve but haven't found much information on it. I put the car in the shop this week and they ran a pressure test. They concluded there is no leak that they can find, but I still see coolant seeping out near the bottom of the radiator and onto the concrete. They said it wasn't a power steering or transmission leak either. They didn't find any leaks at all, yet I still see the drip.

 

[Boosted2004SC]

Yeah it sure does, on the driver side under the radiator (if you peek under there, there is a little hole for a tool to access it). A socket will fit perfectly on it if you want to gently be sure it's closed all the way. Be careful, I think they are plastic though.

 

[usnvet]

Thank you.

 

[Boosted2004SC]

Also, based on your description, while it sounds like the petcock valve, I believe your coolant reservoir sits above the front driver tire (my 2004 does). Might not hurt to inspect that for cracks/leaks in case it's seeping and running down somewhere near the radiator. Good luck.

 

[usnvet]

Will do. Thanks again.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Here's a diagram on the cooling system and if the drain is not the problem remember water will run to the lowest point which may not always be the issue. it only doing it when stopped and parked or can it be seen when the engine is running? Hoses, clamps and radiator cap are all suspects until checked.

 

[usnvet]

Thanks for the diagram. It's a real, slow drip that seems to only show up after the car is driven, then turned off and parked. It takes a few hours before it shows up on concrete and I have noticed the coolant jug level has dropped a little. With the hood open, standing in front of the vehicle driver side and looking down to the right, I can shine a flashlight and see a small coolant trail at the very bottom of the car frame on what appears to be black, hard plastic. There's a small hole in the right end of the plastic and that appears to be where it is collecting and draining out. I took a shop rag and dried it all out, then my wife drove it to work and back. That evening I checked it with my flashlight and the coolant was back. One odd fact is that I found a rotted pecan on that black plastic and I'm wondering if a varmint got in there and did a little chewing. You never know.

 

[Drakito]

The reservoirs will crack and leak. Mine did it about 2 years ago. Luckily they are super cheap to replace through rockauto and take a very short amount of time.

 

[G-504075]

Okay. Thanks

 

[97PA]

Your description of the leak sounds a lot like my father's 1997 PA. We thought it was the coolant reservoir but it ended up being a leak from the left plastic side tank of the radiator due to a leaking flange gasket. It would only show up after being driven then when cooled would produce a small stream of coolant. I found it by rubbing a paper towel along the seam.