Cracked Radiator?

[Redlined]

Took my car out. After a few minutes I notice that I'm not getting any heat from the vents. A quick glance at the temp gauge shows Engine at normal operating temperature.

Any gear monkey, weather they are into Muscle cars, Ricers, or exotics knows this is a bad sign. Terminally low coolant.

I bring her around and scoot for home. Temp gauge is closing on the top of the gauge when I wheel into the driveway. I note a small.. VERY small puff of steam escaping from the passanger side of the grill. I pop the hood. Its dark so I get my spot light.

There is a trickle of coolant on the splash pan. and lots of moisture in the engine compartment. Looks to be a crack in the front part of the Radiator tank. No damage, no corrosion. Just... a crack and a thin trickle of coolant.

Is this normal? Does this happen? Is this a sign of a bigger problem (blown headgasket was my first thought).

Ill have more information in the morning after I've had more time to inspect the damage.

Thanks in advance.

[ciper]

Its normal! The end tanks always crack on the passenger side near the top facing the front of the car.

These cars will run a considerable distance with no coolant. If you didn't overheat and the engine isn't louder than normal an oil change + new radiator should fix it.

Watch your oil consumption the first few thousand miles. Its not odd for it to go up when you overheat.

[Redlined]

Thanks! I was seriously worried i had a bigger problem!

Just put in a brand new radiator. Guy from the shop also stated that it was a common happenstance. Installed, burping the system now.

Motor is only about 60k old and has never used a lick of oil. but Ill keep an eye on it. About over due for an oil change anyways.

Was a time when I did my oil changes at 3k miles like clockwork... Ive gotten more than a little lazy.