Is it possible for your radiator system to pressurize if the water pumps bad?

(2011-11-21 15:20:08)

1. aaron Says: car is overheating put a gallon of water in when cold is gone by time it overheats not thermostat does not matter whether its water or coolant still gone

2. Michael Says: That is one heck of a leak. You don't mention make, model, or year, but I suspect it is a GM or Ford vehicle with a V6 or V8 made since 1996. If so, the most likely place for that much coolant to go without you seeing it come out is a cracked intake manifold or bad intake manifold gasket (GM). See the first, second, and third sources. Otherwise the place to look for missing coolant is in the automatic transmission fluid because of a bad transmission cooling loop in the radiator. Still no? - suspect a bad head gasket or cracked head... time to bring in a professional.

Be aware that coolant leaks from broken intake manifolds can cause severe engine damage from hydrolock.

3. dakotaviper Says: You do have a leak somewhere.

I'd replace the hoses first, the upper and lower, the ones going to the heater core and back, and the one going to the over-fill tank.

If that doesn't help, then get the radiator checked for a leak. Check your engine oil for water.

But, do take it to a shop and spend lots of your hard-earned cash (most on here want you to do it this way). I've been debased and called an idiot for even suggesting you to do it yourself in order to save you some money. I've even been reported to Yahoo for telling people to go the cheapest route first.

4. bandit_60 Says: your losing the antifreeze someplace. it has to be leaking or you have a head or intake gasket leaking.