I drive a 2000 GT. She's a V8, automatic. I took the car in to get new brake pads put on and asked that my Alternator be checked (non- thread issue). The mechainc called me into the shop and with a flashlight showed me some liquid running from the top of my radiator. He said is was cracked "not sealing" and needed to be replaced. This being the radiator, I didn't hesitate to agree to having a new one put in. He also showed me a 'leak" in my high-pressure AC hose which had (previous owner) been wrapped/taped for some reason. Anyways, I prepaid for the radiator to be ordered ($200), and had to order the AC part from the dealership. Once I got home I called a car guy friend of my hubbys (hubby is in Afghanistan with USMC), he told me to go out and see how bad the leak was. When I kneeled down to check there was not even 1 drop on the garage floor. Car had been parked for about 1.5 hours at that point. When the friend was told there was no liquid he felt I was hustled. I also called an uncle who did old school mechanics in the 70-80's and he seemed to think the same thing.

My question is: If in fact there is a CRACK in my radiator, wouldn't there be or even have been some coolant on the garage floor where I park?

I haven't overheated or anything. I just need to know what some other Mustang folks think because I have a bad feeling about this new mechanic. This was at a Midas in Palm Springs, CA. I had good service through the company in TN but this is the first time I used the one out here.

 

It depends on where it is. If it's at the top, it most likely wouldn't leak unless you have the car running and the coolant is flowing. The best bet would be to open the cap to the coolant reservoir, make sure it's filled to the "cool" line on the side of it, start the engine and let it idle up to operating temperature and see if you see anything dripping.

 

First, you may want to post in the correct forum. This is the 2005-2011 forum.

Second, I'd hold off on any replacement and keep an eye on the "leak". If the telltale shows any signs of progression over time, then replace it. The telltale could have been from a long-ago leak caused by a loose clamp or overflow. Get your money back and keep diligent watch.

Midas and similar shops are notorious for preying on the uninformed; primarily women. You're lucky he didn't tell you that you also need muffler bearings or that your flux capacitor has depolarized.

 

I appreciate the info and sorry for posting in the wrong place. This was my first post. I took it to the Ford dealership and they found a "tiny" crack but not to a point where my car would break down. I'm having it done anyways. Thanks!