I got a 97 geo prizm and its leaking radiator coolant and it's not the holes or the radiator

It sounds like a water pump. Releasing the pressure by removing the radiator cap could make it start leaking again because the water pump is probably the only component on the cooling system that would leak, then stop and then leak again. If you had a void in the radiator, hoses or expansion plugs, releasing the pressure would have no effect.

the water pump us with the timing belt so the repair will be extensive. You must check the cooling system's ability to hold pressure, and different pressures at that, with a cooling system pressure tester. That's really the only right way to diagnose this.

Hi Watson:
Finding the source of the leak should be fun. Give this a try. First, the engine has to be cold. Check the water pump bushing by wiggling the drive pulley. If it's sloppy, the water pump probable needs replacing.
Remove the radiator cap and make sure the fluid level is OK. Then screw the cap on tight. Make sure the engine is as dry and clean as possible around the hoses, water pump, and the area where you think the leak might be.
What you are going to do is start the engine (be aware of moving parts and your fingers--- they don't like each other) and let the engine warm up. As it gets warmer, pressure will build up in the cooling system, and eventually will start to leak out of the bad spot. It may be the seal in the water pump, it may be a manifold or head gasket, but it will for sure, leak under pressure. Having a flashlight and patience will help, but you'll find it.

Freon is wrong word,
Freon is A/c
i think you ment AntiFreeze engine coolant.

• bad rad , get a new rad, if cap sprays that is different.ask

It's probably the cap if that's where it's leaking from. They are inexpensive and easy to replace. DO NOT replace it while hot though.

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Have a coolant system pressure test done to check for system leaks. check coolant level at the radiator cap. have a compression test done to check for head gasket or cracked head.. Check fan operation and if you have a viscous fan hub replace it . Have a flow test done on the radiator to check for blocked cores.

Oil and coolant mixed usually means the engine is damaged.
Blown head gasket, or cracked block - head.
You may have coolant in the engine oil too.
I would not drive it.

Some thing too check:
Make sure coolant level is up to line and clean (not dirty, do to clogged radiator, may need to be flushed or replaced).
Make sure air flow through the out side of radiator is clear (dirt, leaves, ect..) .
Make sure fan is working properly equip t (is not running too slow). Or Manual (belt driven) fan clutch is working properly, not loose or spinning too freely?
Check for broken or cracked fan blades itself.
Check radiator cap, (no gasket tears).
Could be thermostat going bad ?
Could be coolant temperature sensor/switch (from computer) going bad?
Check radiator hose(s) (too soft, may collapse)?
In some rare cases:
Timing could be off.
Could be water pump.
Could be blown head gasket(s).
Could have cracked head(s).
ECT..............Hope this was some help???

are you sure the reservoir is not cracked or? because as you drive the engine coolant expands as you drive and collects in the reservoir, then after you shut the engine down the coolant cools and contracts creating a vacumn and it goes back to the radiator as needed. If the reservoir is cracked it will after you shut it off as the coolant will be higher.

you can use expoy resin and hardner found at autozone it will workbut if the leaks are starting most of the time there are other weak places and you may need to replace radiator.but try this first what will it hurt