radiator leak

[mike swander]

I have a 2005 1ton van. the radiator is leaking at the fitting that goes to the trans.. the fitting is in the plastic tank of the radiator and is leaking anti-frezze, is there a way to tighten or replace a gasket?

[davester]

It depends on where the problem is.  I know for the trucks, the fitting can be replaced in radiator, so it's likely the same for you.  It's unusual for it to come loose or leak (at least, I don't recall seeing another post about them having a problem), it's typically the lines themselves leaking around the crimps where the flexible hoses are joined to the metal lines.

[mike swander]

Yes it's  not usual, it is the top line but it is leaking antifreeze not trans fluid so that makes me beleave that the fitting in the plastic tank of the radiator.

[davester]

You likely won't know for sure until you get it out, but if coolant is leaking around the fitting, then I would lean towards the radiator being cracked/broken there, as the fitting screws into the "transmission fluid" part of the radiator, so if it's just loose or leaking, it would leak transmission fluid.

 

From looking through the FSM for my truck, it doesn't describe removing/installing the fitting in the radiator, just inserting/removing the lines from the fittings.

 

I would expect you will have to either have to get the radiator repaired or replaced, not just tight up or put rtv on those fittings...