Ford Repair: Coolant Leak, radiator leaks, coolant leak

Question
Hi Brian:

I asked you a previous questionn a few days back on my 96 Sable.

I'm now rather certain the coolant leak I've noticed is not involving or contaminating the transmission fluid. The repair shop used an orange coolant last time they serviced it.

When I noticed the original leak of about a pint of coolant on the floor, the resevoir was full to the absolute top. I've since siphoned it down to the full cold line and the leak is now ALMOST non existant.

The radiator leaks a small amount of coolant on the top flange of the radiator when viewed through the small (2") inspection hole on the driver's side sheet metal on top of the radiator. The radiator holds pressure when its hot but when I leave it overnight I notice a very small amount of coolant on the top flange when looking through the inspction hole. There is no stain of coolant on the floor, only a small (1-2 drops) on the top flange. I doubt the leak is from the core since the fluid I see is on the top horizontal flange of the radiator. I think it most likely is from a seal between the core and the tank or from the tank itself.

My question is: What radiator sealant, in your opinion, has a chance of sealing the original equipment radiator without significantly affecting the core's cooling capacity? Also, other than radiator sealant what do you reccommend short of a new radiator.

Thank you again in advance,  

Answer
well. i'm glad to find the news was no where near what i/we were thinking. had i known about the orange coolant. the diagnosis would have gone different. i apologize. unfortunatlet though, there really is no " safe sealer ". though they do serve their purpose. as the chemical you use regardless of brand will harden as it circulates through your cooling system. most of the time gets trapped in the heater core. The least intrusive though is a brand called " bars leak " very effective and available in just about any auto parts store in the U.S. feel free to write should i be able to help you any other time.. takr care and happy new year.. -b-