1998 Ls400

Anyone know what this plastic pipe/tube is? occasionally i see a small drip or two. I believe its attached to the radiator. The fluid has a redish tint to it. Please see attached pic.

thanks

 

That's the radiator drain tube. There is a **** o the back of the radiator where the tube begins that you turn to open up the tube so you can drain the coolant.

 

if the car is left parked overnight i get enough drops that cover the size of a quarter. Do i need to be concerned? is this normal? im assuming its red because the coolant is red????

 

It could be a concern over time. The rubber seal that's on the **** is probably worn out and with the cold temps making everything contract it is letting a very small amount of fluid get by. Try to tighten the **** but be very careful since it's probably very brittle after all these years.

 

Yeah, he just needs a new seal. I bought one for my lexus a few months ago, just before I bought a new radiator, so now I have a spare.

 

yes tighten that plastic drain bolt slowly, and yes the OEM long-life coolant on our cars is indeed red in color.