Coolant Leaking from bleeder screw?!

[Bmm001]

Had my '95 Legacy sedan (126K) in for service on the 17th (lube/oil, new T-stat & cooling system service. They replaced the radiator hoses as well). I noticed a small wet spot on the driveway tonight, and after I opened up the hood, it appears that coolant is slowly leaking out of the bleeder screw on top of the radiator. What would cause this, and should I be alarmed? Coolant seems a bit low in the overflow reservoir as well, but not below the "low" line. Any advice would be welcome. I have a picture but can't figure out how to upload it. PM me and I can e-mail it to you.

 

Thanks,

Brian M.

[Suzam]

Might be loose, because it shouldn't leak. If you want to tighten it be careful! It's designed to snap at the head if over tightened. It's only a plastic piece after all.

 

If you wait until the engine is cooled down, park the car nose up if possible then back it out and make sure there isn't any dirt where the flat washer comes in contact with the radiator. Then tighten it snug but don't over tighten it (I speak from experience).

[porcupine73]

Right, it might just not be tight enough. With engine cold I would remove it with a large phillips screwdriver and inspect it. Make sure the little rubber gasket is in good shape, there isn't any debris under it or anything, etc.

[Bmm001]

Well, the head sort of popped off when I tried to gently tighten it. I guess that means it was not in the best of shape... Is this as simple as getting a new screw, or should I have it looked at?

 

Brian

[brus brother]

Ah, young grasshopper, after all the advice that came too late, I too was in haste when I was 23! Age will temper you but the bleed screw, well that's something else.

[porcupine73]

You should be able to just replace the bleed screw if the rad threads aren't damaged. You'll have to get the nipple out of the rad if it is stuck in there. A small ez out used carefully will probably remove it.