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!

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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

__________________
[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.