What is this tube?

[CalsonicGTR]

There is a tube that comes out of the bottom of the radiator that is dripping coolant. Its a very slow drip but its still there. The level of the coolant hasnt changed, and the system has recently passed a system pressure test. Is this tube supposed to be connected to something or is it something else?

 

[benchwarmer]

Picture or link to diagram?

 

[ForcedTorque]

I have seen some of our cars with a drip tube coming off of the drain cock. If that is the case, maybe you could tighten the drain. If coolant drips out, it has to be replaced by air. Air is not good for your coolant system. Do you get a gurgling sound in your dash?

 

[lagged]

its the drain for the radiator. your drain cock is leaking.

 

[Who]

Drain cock leak. Buy a new one. Any decent auto parts will have a replacement. After draining my radiator a few times mine started to drip. Your radiator probably has plastic end tanks and you could crack the radiator tank if you over tighten it.

 

[CalsonicGTR]

Ok, thanks. However, wouldn't the system fail a pressure test if the drain cock is leaking?

 

[GrimJack]

Depends on how fast it's leaking. A small drip won't affect a pressure test.