Hello,

My problem is with my wifes 2001 Vitara with a 2.0. The problem started with the heater core. It started to leak so I changed it out and within 3 days the new one started to leak. So until I can get the 2nd heater core replaced we are just bypassing it. But today I discoverd that the radiator is leaking. My question is am I missing something, what could be causing these things to spring leaks? Any advice would be great.

too much pressure in the lines. just a thought

I wonder if you have a headgasket problem or something allong that line. I wonder if you could do a pressure test and see if it dramaticly rises. Id get that checked asap before you wreck anything else.

Mike

Had anything been done to the vehicle just before the problems?  I wonder if something corrosive got into the water?   Possible sources:  adding liquid, adding miracle item to cooling, having radiator system flushed by commercial operation (they never get all the cleaner out and it is very corrosive) using a flush and not getting it all out (you must flush with clean water a whole lot more than the instructions)  using water only without at least 50 percent good antifreeze(especially if you use "hungry" water such as distilled or ozmose)  If you had a repair shop do the work, don't let them work on it again.  

When antifreeze breaks down over time it turns to an acid that eats the hoses and aluminuim so i would change all the hoses thermostat and flush the system as for the 2nd heater core just make sure you don't bend the inlet and out let pipes.

If it's not the head gasket put a cup of baking soda in the radiator that should kill the acid, I run clr in mine for a day and then the baking soda, cleans things real good, the next day I flush real good then add antifreeze.  ohh ya change out your thermostat and your cap just incase your oil canning your rad with it.(open close open close)