What Could Have Caused This? - NCRS Discussion Boards

What Could Have Caused This?

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  • Bill O.
    Expired
    • April 1, 2006
    • 542

    What Could Have Caused This?

    Need some help diagnosing a problem with my ’62 Vette. The car has been parked in an unheated, well insulated garage with a concrete floor for about two months. Outside temps were often minus 10 degrees and consistently below freezing. Hood was down but not shut. Car was covered with a cloth car cover.

    Under the hood, I find that both heater hoses and the small hose from the water pump to the overflow tank are sweating an oily film, no color when wiped, and no odor. The upper and lower radiator hoses are unaffected. The overflow tank is bone dry. Only signs of leakage is where the thermostat hose fits onto the copper fitting of the heater at the firewall (see picture). Hoses are pliable but it is now above freezing. Engine oil shows zero signs of radiator fluid.

    Inside, there are signs of radiator fluid leaking from elbow leading to heater (see picture and note red is a reflection of interior color). Fluid must have dripped onto the carpet, because there is some loss of color under the auxiliary mat…the rubberized back side of which also shows slight signs of the oily film…otherwise dry inside.

    So, I’ve found two leaks so far but I’ve yet to pressure test the system. I’ll do that Monday.

    Prior to being garaged, the car was running well…not overheating but I did not check the radiator (antifreeze) fluid level when I put it away. I suppose it could have been low and already leaking before storage and I would not have noticed it. But two leaks seem unlikely.

    Is it possible that the sweating of the heater hoses under the hood is a product of the environment…not connected to the leaks? Or did the hoses somehow freeze, despite the antifreeze, and cause both the leaks and the sweating? If so, should I just wait and see if everything reseals itself after we get to a more normal temperature or should I replace the hoses now assuming they have sustained some kind of damage? Any other conclusions?

    As always, I appreciate you help.
    Attached Files
  • Chuck S.
    Expired
    • June 30, 1991
    • 184

    #2
    Re: What Could Have Caused This?

    Bill:
    I like your Avtar and am interested in learning of the dealership on your license plate frame.
    I had a problem with my cooling system hoses exhibiting an oily film on the outside. A friend told me to stop using water pump lubricant (MACS 13). I did and the problem went away.

    Comment

    • Dan H.
      Extremely Frequent Poster
      • July 31, 1977
      • 1369

      #3
      Re: What Could Have Caused This?

      Bill, guess that's why GM put radiator stop leak tablets in each new Corvette, to stop these tiny seeps? The cold temps sure aren't helping, you need to move back to Southern California old friend!
      Last edited by Dan H.; March 8, 2014, 06:48 PM.
      1964 Red FI Coupe, DUNTOV '09
      Drove the 64 over 5000 miles to three Regionals and the San Jose National, one dust storm and 40 lbs of bugs!

      Comment

      • Bill O.
        Expired
        • April 1, 2006
        • 542

        #4
        Re: What Could Have Caused This?

        Chuck:
        Never used a WP lubricant. The car was purchased new in October 1961 from Selman Chevrolet in Orange, CA. Then they were located at 402 W Chapman. Today they are at the other end of Chapman and are one of the largest sellers of Corvettes in Southern California. You can find them on-line. PM me if you need anything else. Thanks.

        Comment

        • Bill O.
          Expired
          • April 1, 2006
          • 542

          #5
          Re: What Could Have Caused This?

          Great to hear from you, Dan.
          Yes, I'd love to do that...but would find myself in divorce court before I reached the state line, I'm afraid.

          Comment

          • Patrick H.
            Beyond Control Poster
            • December 1, 1989
            • 11642

            #6
            Re: What Could Have Caused This?

            Yes. I have seen this many times.
            This is one of the reasons I run fans along the floor of my garages, as the temp difference between the cold hoses and the air seems to be enough to cause this to occur.

            Of note, I don't think you would see this when it was a -10 day. I tend to see it when you have a cold car/garage and open the garage door to a warmer outside air. At least, I know I can make it happen on a day such as this.
            I've even seen puddles then develop under a car due to condensation.


            I think the leaks are unrelated, but may be related to the quality of the hose clamps. I've removed the ones like you show as well as the Wittek tower style and swapped to worm clamps once judging is done.

            Patrick
            Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
            71 "deer modified" coupe
            72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
            2008 coupe
            Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

            Comment

            • Bob J.
              Very Frequent User
              • December 1, 1977
              • 714

              #7
              Re: What Could Have Caused This?

              Agree with Chuck on the sweating likely being water soluble oil or WP lube, even if it was done long ago (decades).
              I don't think the leaks and sweating are related. Bob

              Comment

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