there seems to be a leak on the radiator, there is like a puddle of antifreeze at the bottom of the radiator. I know there are spots where the radiator seems to be beat up, but the car shows no signs of radiator issues. Antifreeze level is normal. any hints?

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-Dominicanvirus

Could be over flow leak from the radiator cap. If there is a definate radiator leak, then the coolant level will be affected, where you would be topping up regularly.

Keep a regular check on the coolant level from only a cold state. If level is not affected, then you have no leak to speak of. If the level is affected then you have a leak to locate. If the radiator is not the source of the leak, you need to check all the pipes connections, consider the water pump, these can be difficult to identify, in particular if the it has a self sealing leaking, which only tends to leak during a warming up and cooling down conditions, any period outside that, the leak self seals.

Thank you for your input. I notice no coolant level change so far, when it's cold. I'm also thinking that it could have to deal with the fact that the car has no antifreeze reservoir, for what it looks like. there is an empty spot under the hood, by the passanger side, i think that was where the reservoir was at. my question is how can the car run without this part? will it bring issues later on?

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-Dominicanvirus

the resorvour only comes on turbo models. if you fill the rad all the way to the top when it gets good and hot you will lose some fluid out the overflow hose.

always leave an inch to inch and a half space on a system without an auxiliary tank.

my dad always said just enough to cover the radiator cores.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

oh, okay. that makes me feel better, but then what is it that my baby is missing? you can see in this picture there is a tank to the left, that, my car is missing. what is it?

thank you for your help!

Attached Thumbnails

 

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-Dominicanvirus

that picture is a 126 bodied car with a turbo motor. correct?

a non turbo car will not have the expansion tank.

does your car have the radiator cap right on top of the radiator?

if it does then it is not equipped with an expansion tank and thus is missing nothing.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

that picture is from a 126 body, just as mine, i don't know about the turbo. Yes, you are right the radiator has a cap right on top of it. There is also a hose that just hangs on top of it, which i think that's where the antifreeze is coming from.
Thanks so much for clearing things up for me. the reason why i think there is something missing is because there are two mounts for something on that side, which leaves me wondering.

Thank you

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-Dominicanvirus

That is not a Turbo motor. That is a gasoline engine. M103 by the looks of it.

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Anders

1995 E300
2015 VW TDI Sportwagen 15K
1977 240D (197K)
2002 Subaru Legacy L Wagon (115k) (Wife's)
Gone but not forgotten:
2005 Buick LeSabre
1998 C230
1984 300D
1983 240D
1981 300SD
1974 240D
1974 Fiat 124 Spider
1968 Triumph TR250

when they make a 126 body fender they punch holes where ever something mounts for any application so that no holes need be drilled later which would perforate the paint protection. so you will have a lot of extra holes if your car is less lavishly equipped than what might be.

your car is running the small simple motor and so it has lots of extra holes in the body panels which are not being used.

don't overfill your radiator and the overflow will stop spitting coolant....unless you actually do have a problem.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

So far, i haven't had to top it off at all. I drove it from CT to MA without any problems. One thing I know, from the previous owner, is that it has an oil leak, which seems to be minor. There isn't much oil on the ground once parked, still I have to look for it. Your knowledge is well appreciated.

Thank you!

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-Dominicanvirus