radiator leak at overflow fitting
 

The wife informed me today that the car ( 84 300tdt) was smoking a little when she turned it off today. When she pulled in I popped the hood and turned it off and saw steam coming out the barb connection at the radiator that goes to the overflow. The barb is cracked halfway through. Do I remove the barb and tap in a brass fitting or ???? I'm also super busy tomorrow but can work on it friday. Can she drive the car tomorrow if I make sure the radiator is topped off or am I asking for it? If anyone knows the specific size/type of replacement fitting that would be great.

thanks for the help!

You Can TRY
 

the Brass fitting with a suitable sealant.

BUT the real problem is twofold:
1.O.O. (Other Owners) using non MB or Zerex G05 coolant (Weakens Plastic tanks)
2.Or AGE and heat cycles Embrittle the Plastic.

Driving with this symptom is at your own risk.
(Subject to Blowing Off the Plastic Nipple Completely ,when it's most inconvenient for the Supreme Commander.)
[With the nipple no longer sealing the cooling,all the coolant will leave.]

Usual Long Term Fix is a New Radiator.

Unsolicited Rant:
I suspect there is an Especially Warm Place in Hades for BOTH the Inventor of
Front Wheel Drive and the Jerk who Invented Plastic Radiator tanks.

I'd not chance driving this way. plastic epxy at Napa works 15 minutes it'll hold till you get new radiator