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Coolant loss and leak

SFC Cobb

Jesus Freak
Messages
1,910
Reaction score
2
Location
Hurst, TX
I had headgaskets replaced in Oct 07.

About 2 weeks ago I noticed what I believe is coolant under the truck ONLY in the morning before I started the engine. After the engine warmed up there was no leaking or sign of it anywhere. I looked under the engine and trans and the only sign of leak was on the flat section of the trans and engine bolt up face. It was in the flat section where the weep hole is.

The fluid appeared by feel to be coolant but the color is closer to trans fluid. I felt of both fluids for samples and it really feels more like coolant.

It kept getting worse and I was thinking maybe a cracked head or the headgasket again. Then I began to think maybe because of no sign anywhere except the eng and trans bolt up face that possibly the rear eng freeze plug or plugs are leaking. If it is not that I have no clue what it is.

I took the truck into the dealer this afternoon and they could not see any evidence either. They kept it overnight to take a look at it in the morning.

This is really getting frustrating by not being able to see where the fluid is coming from.

UPDATE 1/14/09

Dealer called and said that they had no sign of a leak. I asked if they kept it in the shop and the shop was warm and it was. I told them to leave it outside since it will be cold tonight and see what they get.
 
Tom, our 02 had very similar symptoms to yours. The block was cracked at the pass. side rearmost cylinder. Not saying thats whats wrong with yours but if you have it checked and they cant find the leak, you might want them to check the block. They had to tear it down to find it. 11k later its fixed. Good luck with yours, I hope yours isnt like mine.
 
I hope not also. I spent $5260 for the head gasket job. I am not sure what I would do if the block is cracked. That or a head is what I have feared most.

This truck has 275K miles on it but it costs so darn much to buy a new one and with that many miles I can't get anything to speak of for it. It is in God's hands. That is all I can do for now.
 
smoke of any kind? leaking any engine oil? With that many miles it could be a cracked head perhaps. Any signs of overheating?
 
No signs of any of that. As of this moment the dealer has found no sign of a leak yet it leaks at home. This is rather puzzling.

I am really tempted to put some GM stop leak in it and trade it but it just costs to much to buy a new one and I don't want the debt. A new engine maybe the choice if it proves to be a cracked block.

Right now I can't seem to find the source of the leak.
 
If it were me and couldn't find the leak and it wasn't too bad of a leak, I would just drive it till it gets worse.:beer: Put some stop leak in it and let er rip:D just keep an eye on the coolant level.;)
 
I got it back because it did not leak while at the dealer. Why it is intermitten I can't understand. I have considered the stop leak route and may go that way tomorrow. If it stops it then fine but if it doesn't I am still where I am now.

I used stop leak on a leaking head gasket and it lasted about 100K miles before it finally gave way.

I will keep you posted.

I did get a good lead on an engine. www.car-parts.com
 
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