Coolant is not returning to the radiator

[Rp1990]

2002 Honda Odyssey 423k miles

I know I needed new radiator because it leaking (14year old). If radiator is leaking then how come it not getting coolant from the overflow tank bottle to the radiator? When I open up the radiator cap is always be empty while overflow tank is at the same level. I did replaced the hose from overflow to radiator and also replaced the hose inside the overflow tank bottle. It never suck coolant to the radiator even if the engine is cold.

 

[Rp1990]

Forgot to mention something. Radiator cap is brand new OEM and car never overheat.

 

[Warstud]

Loss of Vacuum from a leaking radiator will keep it from flowing back to the radiator.

 

[Chris142]

It can't suck it back if there is a leak

 

[Rand]

how is it going to suck it back without any sort of vacuum (radiator leak)

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
It can't suck it back if there is a leak


To add to that, it also can't draw coolant back in if there is lots of air in the system- in other words there is too much air volume, so it is never able to create a vacuum to draw coolant in.

 

[JamesBond]

The small hose on the rad is leaking air somewhere, and loss of vac from the rad

 

[Rp1990]

Okay thank you everyone that is what I thought the reason will be. Im going to replace the radiator soon until that I will not drive the car.

 

[CharBaby]

Have you already replaced the timing belt and water pump? If not, now is the time to
do so when you replace the radiator, along with any related hoses and the T-Stat.

Good luck.

 

[Rp1990]

Timing belt kit was done 1k mileage ago, Thermostat been replaced 2k mileage ago, upper &lower radiator hoses been replaced, and two of the hoses that goes to heater core been replaced. The only things left to do for the cooling systems is radiator & rear heater hose.