Bad Radiator??

[azure]

I'm pretty sure this is a bad radiator, but want to confirm with you guys 100%. I could get a pressure tester and maybe should, but want to see if it's really obvious. I've just never diagnosed a radiator before. 99 Suburban, overheating pretty quickly. No big puddle of coolant on the floor, but strong smell. Then I noticed that at the base of the radiator, I think it's called radiator support, it's like a plastic "tray" that the radiator sits on/in, and it is full of coolant. Also the fan has coolant sitting in it. None of the hoses or fittings coming from the radiator seem to have leaks, so is this open and shut case of needing a new radiator? Thanks!

[newdude]

I would, if possible, get it out and inspect it, or, get a pressure tester or someone you know with a pressure tester, and test the system with the truck off. Just to be 100% sure.

[Heavy 5.7]

Borrow a pressure tester from autozone or the like all it costs is your time.

[azure]

Yes true, I don't mind doing that, but if it is almost certainly the radiator I would order a radiator also in advance to save time.

[barry G]

plastic side radiators are wimpy.. but they need something to bother them.

I agree about pressure test. Overheating quick with coolant still in it, is hardly a radiator.

 

I have bothered those with bad cab mounts however.. front end too active on really bad roads, twisting the wimpy stuff.

Not all that bad when all else is good.

[1997SierraSLT]

if your radiator has the plastic end caps, then yes, it's highly probable it's leaking. Those end caps are simply crimped onto the aluminum core.